NOTICED 


1.  An  official  copy  of  this  Digest  will  be  sent  to  all  incorporated  Medical  and 
Pharmaceutical  State  Associations,  Societies,  and  Colleges,  and  to  similar  in- 
stitutions or  bodies,  so  far  as  their  existence  or  location  is  known. 

2.  Additional  copies  may  be  obtained  by  any  of  these  bodies,  for  the  use  of 
any  Committee  on  Pharmacopoeia,  by  forwarding  the  amount  of  postage,  which 
is  7 cents  per  copy  for  Part  I.,  and  5 cents  for  Part  II.  Not  more  than  five 
copies  can  be  thus  obtained  at  first ; but  if  the  number  remaining  in  stock  per- 
mits, more  may  afterwards  be  supplied. 

3.  Bach  member  of  the  Committee  of  Revision  will  receive  five  copies. 

4.  Copies  may  be  sent,  free  of  postage,  to  such  individuals  as  are  known  to 
be  engaged  in  pharmacopoeial  work,  and  whose  names  are  furnished  to  the 
Chairman. 

5.  Copies  sent  to  individuals  at  their  own  request,  will  not  be  sent  carriage- 
free.  The  amount  of  postage  (7  cents  for  Part  I.  and  5 cents  for  Part  II.) 
must  accompany  the  request. 

6.  Every  recipient  of  this  pamphlet  is  requested  to  send  to  the  Chairman  of 
the  Committee  the  titles  of  any  publications  which  may  be  known  to  him  to 
contain  valuable  and  positive  contributions  to  the  next  revision  of  the  U.  S. 
Ph.,  and  which  have  not  been  already  abstracted  in  Parts  I.  and  II. 

7.  A limited  number  of  copies  of  both  Part  I.  and  II.  have  been  printed  on 
thin  paper,  on  one  side  of  the  page  only,  for  mounting  opposite  the  text  of  the 
U.  S.  Ph.  in  interleaved  copies.  These  may  be  obtained  by  forwarding  postage 
to  the  Chairman,  15  cents  for  both  parts. 


THE  UNIVERSITY 


OF  ILLINOIS 


LIBRARY 


\ae>o 


CLJ, 


/ 


- ^ 


/ 


' \ ' 


L 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


on  the 


UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA, 


SIXTH  DECENNIAL  REVISION  (1880). 


PUBLISHED  BY 


THE  COMMITTEE  OF  REVISION  AND  PUBLICATION 
OF  THE  PHARMACOPEIA 
OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA 
(1880-1890). 


PART  II. 


NEW  YORK. 
1889. 


INQUIRER  PRINTING  AND  PUBLISHING  COMPANY,  PRINTERS, 
LANCASTER,  PA. 


PREFACE  TO  PART  II. 


THE  task  of  compiling  Part  II.  of  this  Digest  has  consumed  more 
time  than  was  at  first  anticipated,  and  much  more  than  its  com- 
paratively small  size  would  appear  to  have  demanded.  The  delay 
was,  however,  unavoidable,  since  the  search  through  the  available 
literature  not  already  utilized  for  Part  I.  necessitated  constant  and 
careful  reference  both  to  the  text  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  and 
also  to  the  text  of  the  part  already  printed,  so  as  not  to  make  un- 
necessary repetitions  of  comments  already  recorded.  If  all  the  criti- 
cisms encountered  in  the  new  literature,  irrespective  of  their  having 
already  been  taken  from  other  sources,  had  been  included  in  this 
part,  the  present  pamphlet  could  easily  have  been  rendered  twice 
its  size.  For  instance,  the  United  States  Dispensatory,  which  could 
not  be  used  for  Part  I.  (see  the  preface  to  the  latter,  page  iv),  con- 
tains a large  number  of  criticisms  covering  materially,  but  independ- 
ently, the  same  ground  as  that  occupied  by  some  of  the  other  com- 
mentaries ; yet  to  save  needless  repetition,  only  such  comments  were 
excerpted  for  this  part  as  were  found  to  go  beyond  the  scope  of  other 
works.  The  same  rule  has  been  observed  with  other  books  and 
journals. 

While  it  has  been  impossible  to  secure  complete  files  of  every  pub- 
lication bearing  on  pharmaceutical  matters,  issued  during  the  last 
8 or  9 years  within  the  United  States,  yet  it  is  believed  that  the  two 
pamphlets  so  far  issued  fairly  represent  the  pharmacopoeial  criti- 
cisms made  during  this  period.  If  there  be  any  lacking,  it  is  only 
due  to  the  fact  that  of  some  serial  publications  no  complete  files  could 
be  secured.  If  the  publishers  or  owners  of  any  of  the  publications 
not  enumerated  in  the  printed  list  annexed  to  this  pamphlet,  will 
kindly  loan  a set  to  the  Committee,  it  will  be  carefully  gone  over  and 
abstracted,  and  promptly  returned. 

For  the  convenience  of  those  who  wish  to  bind  together  both  parts 
of  the  Digest  so  far  issued,  the  page  numbers  in  this  second  part  have 
been  continued  from  the  first. 

It  may  be  announced  here  that  both  parts  of  this  Digest  may  also 
be  obtained  in  sheets  of  thin  paper,  printed  on  one  side  only.  This 
form  of  issue  will  enable  those,  who  desire  to  do  so,  to  cut  out  the 
criticisms  or  remarks  referring  to  the  several  pharmacopoeial 

(m) 

957399 


IV 


PREFACE. 


articles,  and  to  mount  them  opposite  the  text  in  interleaved  copies 
of  the  Pharmacopoeia.  These  copies  of  the  Digest  may  be  obtained, 
so  far  as  the  stock  on  hand  will  permit,  in  accordance  with  the  notice 
under  § 7 on  the  inside  page  of  the  cover  of  this  part. 

Some  time  during  the  year  1887,  the  Committee  of  Revision  caused 
an  alphabetical  list  of  pharmacopoeial  titles  to  be  printed,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  enabling  pharmaceutical  associations  and  other  bodies  or 
individuals  to  collect  statistics  regarding  the  frequency  with  which 
officinal  articles  were  prescribed  by  physicians.  Though  this  collec- 
tion of  statistics  is  not  yet  completed,  yet  there  are  sufficient  reports 
in  the  hands  of  the  Chairman  to  warrant  the  publication  of  the  fol- 
lowing 

Provisional  List  of  Articles  recommended  to  be  dropped  from  the  U.  S. 

Ph  a rmacopceia  : 

Absinthium. — Abstracta  (if  these  are  dropped,  an  Extract  of 
Jalap  will  have  to  be  reintroduced). — Acetum  Eobeliae. — Aluminii 
Hydras.  — Ammonii  Sulphas.  — Amylum  Iodatum. — Antimonii 
Sulphidum. — Antimonii  Sulphidum  Purificatum. — Aqua  Creasoti. — 
Argenti  Cyanidum. — Argenti  Oxidum. — Arnicae  Radix. — Aurantii 
Flores. — Auri  et  Sodii  Chloridum. — Azedarach. — Bryonia. — Canna- 
bis Americana.  — Cascarilla. — Ceratum  Sabinae.  — Chelidonium. — 
Chinoidinum.  — Chirata.  — Cinchonina.  — Cinchoninae  Sulphas.  — 
Cornus. — Cupri  Acetas. — Cydonium. — Emplastrum  Asafoetidae. — 
Emplastrum  Galbani. — Emplastrum  Picis  Canadensis. — Emplas- 
trum Picis  cum  Cantharide. — Extractum  Arnicae  Radicis  Fluidum. 
— Extractum  Iridis.  — Extractum  Iridis  Fluidum. — Extractum 
Matico  Fluidum. — Extractum  Mezerei  Fluidum. — Extractum  Rhois 
Glabrae  Fluidum. — Extractum  Rosae  Fluidum. — Extractum  Stra- 
monii  Fluidum. — Ferri  et  Ammonii  Tartras. — Ferri  Oxalas. — Gal- 
banum.  — Hedeoma.  — Hydrargyri  Cyanidum.  — Iris.  — Kamala.  — 
Einimentum  Cantharidis.  — Einimentum  Plumbi  Subacetatis.  — 
Eiquor  Acidi  Arseniosi. — Magnesii  Sulphis. — Magnolia. — Matico. — 
Matricaria. — Melissa. — Menispermum. — Mucilago  Cydonii. — Muci- 
lago  Sassafras  Medullae. — Oleoresina  Eupulinae. — Oleoresina  Piperis. 
— Oleoresina  Zingiberis. — Oleum  Succini. — Oleum  Valerianae.  — 
Phytolaccae  Bacca. — Pilulae  Galbani  Compositae. — Pix  Canaden- 
sis.— Potassii  Bichromas. — Prinos. — Pulsatilla.—  Pyrethrum. — Rhus 
Glabra.  — Rhus  Toxicodendron.  — Rosmarinus. — Santonica. — Sodii 
Santoninas. — Spiritus  iEtheris. — Sumbul. — Syrupus  Ferri  Bromidi. 
— Tanacetum. — Tinctura  Arnicae  Radicis. — Tinctura  Bryoniae. — 
Tinctura  Chiratae. — Tinctura  Matico. — Tinctura  Sumbul. — Trochisci 
Catechu. — Trochisci  Krameriae. — Trochisci  Morphinae  et  Ipecacu- 
anhae. — Trochisci  Sodii  Santoninatis. — Unguentum  Mezerei. — Un- 


PREFACE. 


•V 


guentum  Plumbi  Iodidi. — Ustilago. — Vinum  Aloes. — Viola  Tricolor. 
— Zinci  Bromidum. — Zinci  Iodidum. 

This  provisional  list,  based  upon  statistics  so  far  received,  is  here 
inserted  for  the  purpose  of  affording  any  section  of  the  country  in 
which  one  or  another  of  the  enumerated  drugs  or  preparations  may 
be  more  frequently  prescribed,  to  put  in  a plea,  with  the  succeeding 
Committee  of  Revision,  for  the  retention  of  the  respective  articles. 

While  it  may  not  be  strictly  within  the  province  of  the  present 
Committee  of  Revision  to  propose  a list  of  new  drugs  and  prepara- 
tions to  be  admitted  into  the  next  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  it  seems 
nevertheless  advisable  to  insert  here  a rough  list  of  those  articles 
which  have  either  been  already  recommended  by  competent  au- 
thorities for  this  purpose,  or  which  appear,  from  the  records  ot 
medical  and  pharmaceutical  literature,  to  deserve  consideration. 
The  list  referring  to  this  subject  might  have  been  greatly  extended 
by  the  insertion  of  new  vegetable  drugs  and  preparations  which  are 
yet  under  critical  trial,  and  regarding  which  the  medical  profession 
will  have  more  reliable  data  a year  or  two  hence,  than  are  available 
now. 

Provisional  List  of  Articles  recommended  to  be  introduced  mto  the  U.  S. 

Pharmacopoeia  : 

Acetanilidum. — Acidum  Hypophosphorosum  Dilutum. — Acidum 
Metaphosphoricum  Dilutum. — Acidum  Pyrogallicum  (Pyrogallol). 
— Adonis  (and  FI.  Ext.). — Agaricinum. — Alcohol  Methylicum. — 
Aletris  (and  FI.  Ext.). — Aloinum. — Antipyrina  (at  first  supposed 
to  be  “ dimethyl-oxychinizin,  ’ ’ but  now  considered  a derivative 
of  pyrazol,  its  full  chemical  name  being  ‘ ‘ phenyl-dimethyl-pyra- 
zolon”). — Apiol. — Aspidosperma  (and  FI.  Ext.). — Aqua  Chloro- 
formi. — Caffeinae  Citras  (50%?). — Caffeinae  Sodio-Benzoas  (and 
Sodio-Salicylas). — Chloral  Butylicum. — Cocainae  Hydrochloras: — 
Codeinae  Sulphas  (or  Phosphas). — Convallaria  (and  FI.  Ext.). — 
Elixir  Aromaticum  (and  possibly  some  other  Elixirs,  chiefly  those 
used  as  vehicles?). — Eriodictyon. — Ethyl  Bromidum. — Extractum 
Carnis. — Extracta  Fluida  (of  certain  new  drugs  ; also  of  some  drugs 
at  present  officinal,  such  as  Apocynum,  Asclepias,  Jalapa,  Lappa, 
Scoparius,  etc.;  see  Part  II.  of  this  Digest). — Glonoinum  (Nitro- 
glycerinum). — Glyceritum  Acidi  Tannici. — Glyceritum  Boroglycer- 
ini. — Homatropinae  Hydrobromas. — Hyoscinae  Hydrobromas. — Lan- 
oleum  (under  this  or  some  other  name). — Liquor  Ferri  Iodidi.- — 
Menthol. — Oleatum  Cocainae. — Oleatum  Quininae. — Paraldehydum. 
— Pepsinum  (undiluted). — Peumus  (Boldo). — Phenacetinum. — Piper 
Methysticum  (Kava,  and  FI.  Ext.). — Quininae  et  Ureae  Hydro- 
chloras.— Resorcinum. — Rhamnus  Purshiaua  (Cascara). — Sacchar- 


VI 


PREFACE. 


inum. — Salol. — Sodii  Bromidutn  Effervescens  cum  Caffeina  (?). — 
Sparteinse  Sulphas.  — Spiritus  Aromaticus. — Spiritus  Glonoini. — 
Strophanthus. — Sulphonal. — Syrupus  Ferri  Citro-Iodidi. — Terebe- 
num. — Terpini  Hydras. — Tinctura  Ferri  Citro-Iodidi. — Tinctura 
Quininse  Aromatica  (?  “Tinctura  Antiperiodica,”  Nat.  Form.). — 
Urethanum. — Viburnum  Opulus  (and  FI.  Ext.). — Zea  (“Stigmata 
Maydis,”  and  FI.  Ext.). 

If  sufficient  material  can  be  collected  to  warrant  the  publication  of 
a third  part  of  this  Digest,  the  Committee  will  not  hesitate  to  issue 
it.  Any  suggestions  that  may  be  offered  to  make  this  compilation 
more  complete  and  of  still  greater  value,  will  be  thankfully  received 
by  the  Committee. 

CHARLES  RICE. 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Revision , etc. 

New  York,  September  2,  1889. 


EXPLANATION  OF  ABBREVIATIONS  IN  PARTS  I.  AND  II 


A.  — American  Journal  of  Pharmacy. 

B.  — American  Druggist  (formerly  New  Remedies). 

C.  — Pharmaceutical  Record. 

D.  — Western  Druggist. 

E.  — Druggists’  Circular. 

F.  — Ephemeris  (Dr.  Squibb). 

G.  — Pharmaceutische  Rundschau  (New  York). 

H.  — Pharmacist  (Chicago). 

I.  — New  Remedies. 

K.  — Pharmaceutische  Centralhalle. 

E.  — Archiv  der  Pharmacie. 

M.  — Pharmaceutical  Era. 

N.  — Pharmaceutical  Journal  and  Trans.  (London). 

O.  — Proceedings  of  Amer.  Pharm.  Association. 

P.  — National  Dispensatory,  4th  edition. 

R.  — Companion  to  the  U.  S.  Pharm.  (Oldberg-Wall). 

S.  — Chemist  and  Druggist  (London). 

T.  — U.  S.  Dispensatory,  16th  edition. 

U.  — Remington’s  Practice  of  Pharmacy. 

W.  — National  Druggist  (St.  Louis). 

X.  — Beckurts-Hirsch  : Handbuch  d.  praktischen  PharmaciE. 

Y.  — Deutsch  - Amerikanische  Apothkeker  - Zeitung  (New 

York). 

Z.  — Pharmaceutische  Zeitung  (Berlin). 

Un.  Ph. — Universal-PharmakopoE  (Dr.  B.  Hirseh). 

(vii) 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS . 

ON  THE 

UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPEIA 

SIXTH  DECENNIAL  REVISION  (1880). 


i > a i ; rr  ii. 


General  Remarks. 

Alkaloids.  Value  of  Mayer’s  reagent,  showing  his  method  of  inter- 
preting the  results  of  titration.  Snow  (A.  88,  487). — Value  of  phos- 
phomolybdic  acid  as  a quantitative  test  (W.  88,  Dec.,  216.  O.  88, 

133)- 

Analysis  by  capillary  attraction  (dropping  on  filtering  paper). 
Phillips  (C.  88,  342). 

Assay.  Some  very  pertinent  remarks  about  the  value  of  plant 
analyses  for  practical  (pharmaceutical  or  therapeutical)  purposes  are 
to  be  found  in  the'concluding  paragraph  of  an  examination  of  cascara 
sagrada  by  Meyer  and  Webber;  although  of  no  direct  value  for  the 
revision  of  the  Pharmacopoeia  (A.  88,  92). 

Boiling  points  of  officinal  substances.  Remington  (U.  116). 

Committee  of  Revision.  On  the  distribution  of  the  labor.  Oldberg 
(D.  88,  395). 

Concentration  at  low  temperatures.  Eloyd  (B.  88,  81). 

Doses.  Table  in  use  at  the  Philadelphia  Hospital.  England  (A.  88, 
•341 ; 391.  C.  88,  258). — A table  of  maximum  doses  should  be  added. 

Descriptions  of  Drugs  to  be  rejected , as  found,  for  instance,  under 
manna,  colchicum,  etc.,  might  be  applied  more  frequently. 

Drops.  Reid  finds  that  the  number  of  drops  from  the  same  volume 
of  the  same  liquid  varies  w7ith  the  temperature  of  the  liquid,  and 
with  the  time  consumed  in  the  formation  of  the  drop.  See  table  (G. 
88,  188.  K.  88,  251). 

Filters.  Rational  way  of  folding.  Hehilfcr  and  Richmond  (B.  88, 
167). 

Working  Formulas.  Inconsistencies  of  the  text.  See  Oldberg 
(D.  88,  358). 

Melting  points  of  officinal  substances  (U.  95).  Of  fats,  etc.,  deter- 
mination. U.  S.  Dep.  of  Agriculture  (B.  88,  151). 

Metric  Denominations.  U.  S.  Ph.  speaks  of  grains,  liter,  meter, 
which  is  not  consistent  (U.  43).  The  metric  system  ought  to  be 
introduced  throughout;  fluids  in  C.c.  (Wisconsin  P.  A.  M.  88,  50). 

Nomenclature.  Taylor  recommends  several  new  class-names : 

13  ( 191 ) 


192 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


soluta,  emulsa,  etc.  (D.  88,  426). — Hallberg:  Centure,  centraet, 
etc.  (D.  88,  323.  O.  88,  107). 

Percolation.  Oldberg  wants  maceration  and  digestion  recognized 
by  the  Pharmacopseia  in  the  general  directions  (D.  88,  280). — A 
new  pressure  percolator  by  Phillips,  made  from  an  inverted  salt- 
mouth  bottle,  a straight  and  a bent  tube.  See  (C.  88,  213). — A 
modified  repercolation,  the  chief  idea  of  which  is  to  use  the  “re- 
served ’ ’ portions  of  the  percolate  foi  moistening  the  next  portions  of 
drug.  Lilly  (B.  88,  144). 

Powdering . Table  of  loss.  Coveil  (U.  145). — Vulpius  (L.  87 , 
1044.  O.  88,  274). 

Purity.  The  real  value  of  the  terms : purissimus,  purus,  etc. 
“ Purissimus”  seems  always  to  contain  impurities.  Krauch  (B.  88, 
213.  Zeit.  Angew.  Chemie).  Limit  of  purity  of  reagents.  Krauch 
(B.  89,  44;  72;  92). 

Powder.  The  fineness  of  powder  for  dispensing  should  be  pre- 
scribed by  the  Pharmacopoeia.  Oldberg  (D.  88,  280).  See  the 
French,  Spanish,  Russian  and  Swedish  Pharmacopoeias  for  very  de- 
tailed directions  (Un.  Ph.  II.,  448  to  469). 

Specific  Gravity.  Oldberg  wants  it  to  be  taken  at  150  and  220  C. 
compared  with  water  of  the  same  temperature  (D.  88,  280). 

Specific  Gravity  of  Liquids.  ‘ ‘ The  weight  of  a body  is  to  its  spe- 
cific gravity,  as  the  loss  of  weight,  when  immersed  in  a liquid,  is  to 
the  specific  gravity  of  that  liquid.”  Taylor  (A.  88,  67;  175.  O.  88, 
216). 

Test  Papers.  Sensitiveness.  Dieterich  (D.  88,  7.  O.  88,  230,  from 
K.  87). 

Tests.  Sensitiveness.  Wells  (D.  88,  10). 

Scaling  Salts.  Dieterich  recommends  to  delay  the  spreading  on 
glass,  etc.,  of  the  syrupy  solution  until  it  is  nearly  cold,  to  prevent 
the  scales  from  sticking  to  the  glass  or  porcelain.  (K.  88,  107,  from 
K.) 

Weights  and  Measures.  Oldberg,  see  (D.  88,  281). 

Text.  Oldberg  wants  description,  tests  of  identity,  and  tests  of 
purity  to  form  separate  paragraphs  (D.  88,  315). 

Absinthium. 


Abstracta. 

They  should  be  twice  as  strong  as  they  are  now,  representing  four 
times  their  weight  of  the  drug.  Oldberg  (D.  88,  433). 

Forty-eight  hours’  maceration  is  insufficient,  as  well  as  the  tem- 
perature (Ibid.) 

Oldberg  proposes  to  (fall  them  “ Bxtracta  saccharata.”  (D.  88, 
433)- 

Abstractum  Aconiti. 


Abstractum  Belladonnse. 


Abstractum  Conii. 

A No.  60  powder  is  better.  Oldberg  (D.  88,  433). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPCEIA. 


193 


Abstractum  Digitalis. 


Abstraction  Hyoscyami. 


Abstractum  Ignatise. 

In  order  to  separate  the  fixed  oil,  the  fluid  extract  should  be  evap- 
orated to  a soft  extract,  and  allowed  to  stand  for  a short  time ; the 
separated  oil  is  then  removed  in  any  convenient  way  (T.  7). 

Abstractum  Jalapse. 

Jalap  ought  to  be  in  No.  60  powder  (R.  620). 

Turner  recommends,  in  view  of  the  great  variation  in  the  p.  c.  of 
resin,  to  make  the  abstract  by  mixing  1 part  of  resin  of  jalap  with 
3 parts  of  sugar  of  milk  (A.  88,  379.  O.  88,  235). 

Abstractum  Nucis  Vomicae. 

In  order  to  separate  the  fixed  oil,  proceed  as  under  Abstractum 
Ignatise  (T.  8). 

Abstractum  Podophylli. 


Abstractum  Senegse. 

Should  be  dropped,  as  a dried  extract  can  not  be  made  without 
loss  of  active  constituents.  Oldberg  (D.  88,  433). 

Abstractum  Valerianae. 


Acacia. 

Acacia  “Verek”  ought  to  be  Acacia  “Senegal.”  Wood  (T.  10). 
On  “Ghatti”  as  substitute.  See  Mander  (A.  88,  301.  N.  88,  April, 
876). 

On  natural  and  artificial  substitutes.  See  Ellwood  (N.  88,  Oct., 
339.  Nov.,  360.) 

Aceta. 

The  utility  of  a uniform  10  p.  c.  strength  is  doubtful  (T.  16). 


Acetum  Lobeliae. 


Macerate  for  at  least  12  hours  before  percolation. 
434)- 


Acetum  Opii. 


Oldberg  (D.  88, 


The  reduction  of  strength  is  unjustifiable.  Wood  (T.  22). 
Percolation  ought  to  be  replaced  by  maceration,  as  the  only  proper 
process.  Oldberg  (D.  88,  434). 

The  amount  of  acetic  acid  is  too  large.  Oldberg  proposes  to  use 
4 p.  c.  absolute  acid  and  10  p.  c.  alcohol  (D.  88,  434). 


Acetum  Sanguinarise. 


194 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Acetum  Scillae. 

Maceration  is  better  than  percolation.  Oldberg  (D.  88,  434). 

Acida. 

A new  test  paper  by  Hinsdale.  First  passed  through  tincture  of 
turmeric,  and  after  drying,  through  lime  water.  A deep  orange 
color,  which  turns  yellow  (B.  88,  102)  . 

Acida  Diluta. 


Acidum  Aceticum. 

The  neutralization  point  is  better  ascertained  by  using  calcium  or 
barium  carbonate.  Redwood  and  Nicholson  (T.  27). 

Test  for  formic  acid.  Pure  acetic  acid  does  not  reduce  a solution  of 
mercuric  chloride,  even  on  boiling;  reduction  points  to  formic  acid. 
Moerck  (A.  88,  13 1.  O.  88,  526). — Nor  does  it  reduce  silver  salts 
(X.  I,  238). 

Is  colored  “ deep-red”  by  ferric  choride.  “Blood-red”  would  de- 
scribe the  color  better. 

Strength.  Oldberg  proposes  60  p.  c.  as  a proper  strength  (D.  88, 
434)- 

Acidum  Aceticum  Dilutum. 

Five  p.  c.  absolute  acid  would  be  better  (T.  28). 

Acidum  Aceticum  Glaciale. 

It  is  inflammable  (X.  I,  235). 

Acidum  Arseniosum. 

The  powdered  acid  is  often  adulterated  with  sulphate  of  calcium 
(T.  922). 

Tests.  The  official  tests  for  arsenic  of  the  German  government. 
See  (B.  88,  166.  Zeit.  Analyt.  Ch.  88,  471). 

It  is  soluble  in  ether.  Scholvien  (G.  87,  92). 

An  improvement  in  Marsh’s  apparatus  by  Lehmann  (L-  88,  512. 
0.  88,  456). 

Acidum  Benzoicum. 

A definition  of  benzoic  acid  is  wanted. 

Acidum  Boricum. 


Acidum  Carbolicum. 

The  title  ought  to  be  “Phenol”  or  “Phenyl  Hydras,”  and  “Car- 
bolic Acid”  as  a synonym.  (Oldberg  (D.  88,  434). 

Keep  protected  from  air  and  light.  (X.  I.,  251.) 


Acidum  Carbolicum  Crudum. 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOTCEIA. 

Acidum  Chromicum. 

Keep  protected  from  air  and  light  (X.  I,  253). 

Acidum  Citricum. 


Acidum  Gallicum. 

Soluble  in  12  parts  of  glycerin.  Weaver  (T.  60). 

Test  of  identity.  Add  to  a solution  of  gallic  acid,  a dilute  solution 
of  ferrous  sulphate  (1  in  100);  the  mixture  is  colorless,  but  acquires 
a deep  violet  color  on  the  addition  of  a little  acetate  of  sodium  (T. 
61). 


Acidum  Hydrobromicum  Dilutum. 

Keep  protected  from  light  (X.  I,  258). 

Acidum  Hydrochloricum. 

Oldberg  proposes  a strength  of  36.4  p.  c.  (D.  88,  434). 

Acidum  Hydrochloricum  Dilutum. 


Acidum  Hydrocyanicum  Dilutum. 

Test  of  identity.  Half  a centigram  of  ammonio-ferrous  sulphate 
and  the  same  quantity  of  uranium  nitrate  are  dissolved  in  50  C.c.  of 
water.  To  1 C.c.  of  this  solution  add  1 drop  of  the  suspected  liquid, 
when  a grayish-purple  color  or  precipitate  is  produced.  Carey  Tea 
(T.  77.  Am.  Jl.  Sci.). 


Acidum  Lacticum. 


Acidum  Nitricum. 

Nitric  acid  and  nitrates  are  distinguished  from  nitrous  acid  and 
nitrites  by  a concentrated  solution  of  ferrous  sulphate  in  hydrochloric 
acid.  Nitrous  acid  causes  a deep  brownish  black  coloration,  but  not 
nitric  acid.  Utescher  (G.  88,  112.  Apoth.  Zeit.  88,  86). 

Curtman  uses  antipyrine,  which  produces  a green  coloration  in 
presence  of  nitrous  acid  or  nitrites  (G.  88,  217). 

Frankland  recommends  as  the  best  qualitative  test  sulplianilic 
acid.  Add  to  the  suspected  solution  one  drop  of  a saturated  aque- 
ous solution  of  sulphanilic  acid,  then  one  drop  of  an  aqueous  solu- 
tion of  phenol,  and  add  ammonia  in  excess,  when  the  liquid  will 
assume  a yellow  or  reddish-yellow  color.  (B.  88,  114.  O.  88,  417. 
Jl.  Ch.  Soc.  88,  364.) 

Undo  modifies  Frankland’s  test  by  replacing  phenol  with  thymol. 
He  states  that  for  quantitative  work  he  prefers  phenol,  while  for 
qualitative  work  thymol  is  better  (B,  88,  172.  Ch.  News). 

Oldberg  wants  the  strength  to  be  63  p.  c.  (D.  88,  434). 


Acidum  Nitricum  Dilutum. 


1 96 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Acidum  Nitrohydrochloricum. 

It  should  be  kept  in  a dark  place  (U.  41 1). 

Acidum  Nitrohydrochloricum  Dilutum. 


Acidum  Oleicum. 


Acidum  Phosphoricum. 

“Heat  until  the  excess  of  nitric  acid  is  driven  off.” — Hirsch 
states  that  when  the  acid  has  been  evaporated  to  about  3 times  the 
weight  of  the  phosphorus,  all  the  nitric  acid  will  have  been  driven 
off  (X.  I,  279). 

In  a “tubulated”  glass  retort.  (Ibid.) 

Set  the  vessel  aside  for  “ 24  hours  ” — Hirsch  recommends  “ 2 to  3 
days”  (X.  I,  282). 

On  the  volumetric  examination  of  combined  and  free  phosphoric 
acid,  based  on  the  behavior  to  methyl-orange  and  to  phenolphtha- 
lein,  see  Cheever  and  Beal  (M.  87,  398.  O.  88,  431). 

Acidum  Phosphoricum  Dilutum. 


Acidum  Salicylicum. 

Artificial  acid,  and  estimation  of  the  homologous  acid  present. 
Ewell  and  Prescott  (A.  88,  526.  B.  88,  188.  O.  88,  78). 

Acidum  Sulphuricum. 

A sp.  gr.  above  1,840  indicates  the  presence  of  impurities,  gener- 
ally sulphate  of  lead  (T.  106). 

Test  of  identity.  Eggers  proposes  the  furfurol  reaction,  which  is 
so  sensitive  that  1 C.  c.  of  toW  normal  suphuric  acid  with  a fragment 
of  cholic  acid  and  2 drops  of  furfurol  solution,  gives  a decided  red 
coloration  (A.  88,  560.  Ch.  Zeit.  88,  1245). 

The  strength  should  be  98  p.  c.  Oldberg  (D.  88,  434). 

Acidum  Sulphuricum  Aromaticum. 

Oldberg  prefers  the  title:  “ Mistura  aromatica  acida”  (D.  88, 
434)- 

Test.  Hirsch  says  that  36  C.  c.  of  soda  solution  is  a little  too 
high.  He  also  recommends  to  boil  the  mixture  of  acid  and  water 
before  titration,  in  order  to  reconvert  all  the  sulphovinic  acid  into 
sulphuric  acid  (Z.  83,  241). 

Acidum  Sulphuricum  Dilutum. 

Ought  to  contain  10  p.  c.  of  absolute  acid.  Oldberg  (D.  88,  434). 

Acidum  Sulphurosum. 

The  best  results  are  obtained  when  sulphuric  acid,  containing  75 
p.  c.  of  absolute  acid,  is  employed;  it  is  also  recommended  to  place 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


197 

a little  sulphite  of  lead  and  charcoal  in  the  wash  bottle.  Scott  (T. 

113)* 

The  taste  is  “sulphurous,  somewhat  astringent”  (T.  144). 

Hirsch  states  that  3.5  p.  c.  of  gas  corresponds  to  about  sp.  gr. 
1. 015  (X.  I,  295). 

Acidum  Tannicum. 

With  solution  of  ferric  chloride  it  forms  a bluish-black  “ink.” 
The  term  ‘ ‘ ink’  ’ seems  inappropriate. 

Estimation  by  ferric  chloride  and  ferricyanide  of  potassium,  using 
a solution  of  tannin  of  known  strength  for  comparison.  Hinsdale 
(B.  88,  161). 

Acidum  Tartaricum. 

It  is  difficult  to  detect  this  acid  when  associated  with  boric  acid. 
On  adding  fluoride  of  potassium,  fluoborate  of  potassium  is  formed, 
and  the  tartaric  acid  will  now  respond  to  the  usual  tests.  Barfoed  (T. 
122.  Jl.  de  Ch.  et  de  Ph.). 


Aconitum. 

Assay.  With  Mayer’s  reagent.  Snow  (A.  88,  489.  M.  88,  20). 

Aconitine.  Jurgens  finds  that  pure  aconitine  does  not  yield  any 
coloration  at  all  (B.  88,  88.  A.  88,  551.  Zeit.  Anal.  Ch.). 

Adeps. 

Examination  of  commercial  samples.  Ritter  (A.  88,  101.  O.  88, 
518). 

Test  for  cottonseed  oil.  Conroy  modifies  the  nitrate  of  silver  test 
as  follows:  Add  20  grain  measures  of  a solution  of  5 parts  of  nitrate 
of  silver  and  1 part  of  nitric  acid  (1.420)  in  100  parts  of  rectified 
spirit  to  100  grains  of  melted  lard,  and  notice  the  discoloration  (A. 
88,  537.  B.  88,  212.  N.  88,  Septbr.  . . ). — Thompson  remarks  that 
the  reduction  of  silver  nitrate  does  not  necessarily  point  to  cotton- 
seed oil. 

Conroy  criticises  the  proposed  tests  for  cottonseed  oil.  The  nitric 
acid  test  has  two  drawbacks : the  lard  may  contain  a little  water, 
and  thus  dilute  the  acid,  preventing  the  reaction;  the  difference  in 
the  color  of  the  pure  lard  and  the  adulterated  one  is  not  sufficiently 
distinct,  when  the  adulteration  is  under  5 p.c.  Eabiche’s  test  (sub- 
acetate of  lead  and  alkali)  does  not  seem  to  hold  good  for  the  refined 
cottonseed  oil.  (N.  88,  Septbr.  237.) 

Review  of  the  different  tests  for  the  adulteration  with  cottonseed 
oil  by  Moerck  (A.  88,  573). 

Wallace  recommends  Hiibl’s  iodine  absorption  method,  confiimed 
by  Becchi’s  test,  and  the  sulphuric  acid  test  for  detecting  adultera- 
tions. (E.  88,  no.) 

Some  pertinent  remarks  about  the  proper  valuation  to  be  put  upon 
the  iodine  absorption  numbers  by  Brown,  see  (A.  88,  577). 

Adeps  Benzoinatus. 

Parkinson  recommends  to  heat  the  benzoin  in  a flask,  and  to  con- 
duct the  vapors  into  the  melted  lard.  (E.  88,  156.) 


1 98 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


jEther. 

Test  for  purity.  According  to  Vulpius  a really  pure  ether  must 
stand  the  following  tests:  Evaporate  5 C.c.  spontaneously  to  about 
o.  1 C.c.;  the  residue  must  not  turn  litmus  paper  blue.  In  a well- 
shaken  mixture  of  equal  volumes  of  water  and  ether,  to  which  a few 
drops  of  phenophthalein  solution  has  been  added,  the  watery  layer 
must  after  the  separation  be  distinctly  fed.  A fragment  of  potassa 
dropped  into  the  ether  must  not  become  yellow  within  an  hour.  A 
mixture  of  10  C.c.  with  1 C.c.  of  a 10  p.  c.  solution  of  iodide  potas- 
sium must  not  show  discoloration  after  one  hour  (M.  87,  446.  O. 
88,  487.  K.  87,  492). 

^Ether  Aceticus. 

Test  for  amylic  alcohol.  Pour  into  a perfectly  dry  test-tube  a 
small  quantity  of  concentrated  sulphuric  acid,  and  carefully  on  top 
of  it  an  equal  bulk  of  the  ether.  A brown  ring  will  appear,  with  a 
more  or  less  violet  coloring  of  the  ether,  in  presence  of  amylic  alcohol.. 
(E.  88,  9.  Ph.  Zeit.,  Russl.) 

On  evaporating  a portion,  dropped  upon  blotting  paper,  no  em- 
pyreumatic  nor  pine-apple  odor  should  be  noticed  (X.  I.,  319). 

-ffither  Fortior. 


Alcohol. 


Alcohol  Dilutum. 


Allium. 


Aloe. 

The  taste  is  “peculiar  and  bitter;”  and  when  thoroughly  dried  on 
a water  bath  and  finely  powdered,  it  must  not  cake  on  being  heated 
to  ioo°.  Ph.  Jour.  Com.  (L.  88,  41). 

Aloe  Purificata. 


Althaea. 


Alumen. 

The  white  precipitate,  produced  on  addition  of  solution  of  potassa 
or  soda,  is  completely  soluble  in  an  excess  of  alkali,  but  reappears 
on  the  addition  of  a sufficient  quantity  of  chloride  of  ammonium. 
When  the  saturated  solution  is  shaken  vigorously  with  tartaric  acid, 
a crystalline  precipitate  appears  after  some  time  (difference  from 
sulphate  of  aluminium).  The  bluish  coloration  on  the  addition  of 
ferrocyanide  of  potassium  must  not  appear  “at  once”.  Ph.  Germ. 
Com.  E.  88,  42). 

“No  odor  of  ammonia  being  evolved ” — add,  “ even  on  heating.” 
Ph.  Germ.  Com.  (E-  88,  43). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


199 

The  title  ought  to  be  “ Aluminii  et  Potassii  Sulphas.”  Oldberg 
(D.  88,  434). 

Alumen  Exsiccatum. 

The  Pharmacopoeia  requires  it  to  be  heated  to  200,  not  to  exceed 
205 0 C.  Hirsch  asks  how  the  temperature  is  to  be  ascertained  and 
kept,  because  porous  bodies  are  poor  conductors  of  heat  (X.  I,  339). 

Until  the  mass  weighs  “ 100  parts.”  It  ought  to  be  “about  ” 100 
parts,  since  not  all  of  the  alum  can  be  converted  into  a porous  sub- 
stance, according  to  Hirsch  (X.  I,  339). 

Aluminii  Hydras. 

The  precipitate  is  dissolved  in  hydrochloric  acid,  and  the  hot  solu- 
tion poured  into  an  excess  of  ammonia,  washed  and  dried  (X.  I, 
34°)- 

Aluminii  Sulphas. 

Tests  for  free  Sulphuric  Acid:  Wittstein  tests  by  treating  the 
finely  powdered  salt  with  absolute  alcohol,  which  will  only  dissolve 
the  free  acid  (T.  169). — The  filtered  aqueous  solution  (1  to  10)  must 
not  become  more  than  faintly  opalescent  5 minutes  after  the  addition 
of  an  equal  volume  of  test  solution  of  hyposulphite  of  sodium.  Ph. 
Germ.  Com.  (U.  88,  44.) 

Ammoniacum. 

Soluble  to  the  extent  of  f in  alcohol  (R.  117). — Partly  soluble  in 
water,  ether  and  alkaline  solutions  (T.  171). 

When  heated  it  softens  and  becomes  adhesive,  but  does  not  melt 

(T.  171). 

Ammonii  Benzoas. 


Ammonii  Bromidum. 


Ammonii  Carbonas. 

Examination  of  the  commercial  salt.  Chaston  (B.  88,  88). 

The  freedom  from  empyreumatic  substances  is  better  detected  by 
the  taste  and  odor,  after  saturation,  than  by  permanganate  of  potas- 
sium. Remington  (U.  507). 

Ammonii  Chloridum. 

Ph.  Germ.  Com.  requires  absolute  absence  of  iron  (E-  88,  380). 

Ammonii  Iodidum. 

When  testing  with  starch  solution,  dissolve  the  salt  in  boiled 
water,  that  is,  in  water  deprived  of  air  (X.  I,  352). 

Ammonii  Nitras. 


Ammonii  Phosphas. 


200 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Ammonii  Sulphas. 

In  the  table  on  p.  433,  U.  S.  Ph.  the  equivalent  number  should  be 
132,  and  not  124.  Hirseh  (Z.  83,  189). 

Ammonii  Valerianas. 


Amygdala  Amara. 
Amygdala  Dulcis. 
Amyl  Nitris. 


Amylum. 


Amylum  lo datum. 

The  original  formula  of  Quesneville  is  to  dampen  an  intimate  mix- 
ture of  105  parts  of  wheat  starch  and  10  parts  of  powdered  iodine 
with  a mixture  of  10  parts  of  alcohol  and  40  parts  of  water  (T.  196). 

Anisum. 


Anthemis. 


Antimonii  et  Potassii  Tartras. 

In  the  test  for  iron  it  is  necessary  to  note  that  the  blue  color  must 
appear  “immediately;  ” if  it  appears  after  a while,  it  may  be  due  to 
the  iron  of  the  ferrocyanide  (T.  204). 

Oldberg  suggests  the  title  ‘ ‘ Tartarus  antimoniatus’  ’ as  preferable 
(D.  88,  434). 

Antimonii  Oxidum. 


Antimonii  Sulphidum. 


Antimonii  Sulphidum  Purificatum. 


Antimonium  Sulphur atum. 

After  the  last  test  (for  sulphate)  add  : ‘ ‘ nor  by  oxalate  of  ammo- 
nium (absence  of  calcium.”)  (T.  213). 

Apocynum. 

“Pale  brown”  and  “thin  pith”  are  both  erroneous;  the  color  is 
“ash-gray”  and  there  is  “no  pith”  (R.  159.) 

Analysis  by  Poppenhusen  (A.  88,  168). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


201 


Apomorphinae  Hydrochloras. 

Hirsch  gives  the  solubility  in  water  as  i in  50  (X.  I,  374). 

Aqua. 

Test  for  nitric  acid  in  quantities,  not  to  be  detected  by  diphenyl- 
amine:  hydriodic  acid  will  indicate  it  by  the  liberation  of  iodine 
within  a short  time.  Kalmann  (A.  88,  61 1.  Ch.  Rept.  88,  269). 

Test  for  nitric  acid.  Binder  adds  to  30  C.c.  of  the  water  a very 
small  quantity  of  zinc  dust,  shakes  well,  and  then  adds  a few  drops 
of  diluted  sulphuric  acid  ; on  adding  a little  iodide  of  potassium  and 
starch  paste,  a bluish  coloration  appears  (E.  88,  58.  E.  88,  125). 

Hirsch  gives  detailed  directions  for  testing  water  (X.  I,  392). 

Aqua  Ammoniae. 

Ten  parts  by  weight  of  the  stronger  water,  diluted  with  18  parts 
of  distilled  water,  make  28  parts  of  aqua  ammonise  (R.  120). 

Hirsch  points  out  that  8.5  Gm.  are  somewhat  less  than  8.9  C.c. 
(Z.  83,  241). 

Aqua  Ammoniae  Fortior. 

Hirsch  states  that  3.4  Gm.  are  a little  less  than  3.9  C.c.  (Z.  83,  241). 

Aquae  Medicatae. 

Wisconsin  Ph.  Ass.  recommends  the  use  of  hot  water  (M.  88,  50). 

Fennel  prefers  the  porcelain  tube  of  a Pasteur-Chamberlain  press- 
ure filter  to  all  other  filtering  and  clearing  media  (D.  88,  365). 

Polasek  drops  the  oils  on  sterilized  filtering  paper,  and  digests  with 
sterilized  distilled  water,  using  also  sterilized  vessels,  corks,  etc., 
closing  the  bottles  with  sterilized  rubber  stoppers.  (D.  88,  21.  Rund- 
schau, Prague). 

Hirsch  declares  that  the  so-called  ‘ ‘ odor  of  the  still  ’ ’ is  not  a pro- 
perty inherent  in  freshly  distilled  waters,  but  is  due  to  insufficient 
cleansing  of  the  still  (X.  I,  377). 

Aqua  Amygdalae  Amarae. 

About  chloral  hydrocyanate  for  making  the  water  extempor- 
aneously, see  (T.  235,  note). 

Nitrobenzol  is  detected  by  adding  a little  solution  of  potassa,  and 
boiling,  when  the  waler  will  turn  yellow  (X.  I,  384). 

Aqua  Anisi. 


Aqua  Aurantii  Florum. 

Kept  in  “ well-stopped”  bottles  is  not  the  best  way — simply  cover 
the  orifice  with  a piece  of  paper  (T.  237). 

Aqua  Camphorae. 

Shake  finely  powdered  camphor  occasionally  for  24  hours  with  ice- 
cold  water,  and  filter  (U.  250). 


202 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Aqua  Chlori. 

Spenzer  proposes  to  boil  the  water  to  expel  the  air,  and  to  let  it 
cool  under  cover,  previous  to  passing  the  gas  (B.  88,  152). 

Chlorine  water  should  be  kept  in  “small”  bottles  (X.  I,  391.) 


Aqua  Cinnamomi. 

Holmes  recommends  glycerin  to  facilitate  the  solution  of  the  oil 
(T.  241). 

Aqua  Creosoti. 

Agitate  “vigorously.”  Hirsch  (X.  I,  405). 


Aqua  Destillata. 

The  Netherland  Pharmacopoeia  directs  to  add  enough  solution  of 
permanganate  of  potassium  until  the  water  retains  a faintly  purple 
color,  then  sufficient  of  a solution  of  alum  until  a faint  acid  reaction 
is  produced,  next  to  distil  and  to  reject  the  first  and  the  last  third 
(E.  83,  82). 

Hirsch  states  that  the  first  distillate  has  to  be  thrown  away,  until 
it  no  longer  reacts  with  solutions  of  acetate  of  lead,  nitrate  of  silver, 
and  bichloride  of  mercury  (X.  I,  401). 


Aqua  Fceniculi. 


Aqua  Menthse  Piperitae. 


Aqua  Menthae  Viridis. 


Aqua  Rosae. 

If  distilled  over  a naked  fire,  the  product  is  of  a finer  quality  (U. 
248). 


Argenti  Cyanidum. 


Argenti  Iodidum. 


Argenti  Nitras. 


Argenti  Nitras  Dilutus. 


Argenti  Nitras  Fusus. 


Argenti  Oxidum. 

‘ ‘ When  its  solution  in  nitric  acid  is  precipitated  by  an  excess  of 
chloride  of  sodium,  the  supernatant  liquid  should  not  be  discolored 
,by  sulphydrate  of  ammonium” (T.  255). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


203 


Arnicse  Flores. 

The  ray-florets  are  provided  with  16  nerves  (X.  II,  40),  which  dis- 
tinguishes them  from  admixtures. — 30  centimeters  broad,  ought  to 
be  3 centimeters.  Hirsch  (Z.  83,  241). 

Arnicae  Radix. 


Arsenii  Iodidum. 

Babcock’s  process  by  dissolving  arsenious  acid  in  hydriodic  acid, 
and  evaporating,  see  (T.  260.  O.  75,  693). — Nickles  obtains  it  in 
crystals  by  heating  arsenious  acid  and  iodine  in  bisulphide  of  carbon, 
etc.  (T.  260). 

Asafcetida. 

Why  should  asafoetida  be  written  as  one  word  ? 

Touched  with  nitric  acid,  an  evanescent  green  color  appears 
(T.  263). 

Botany  of  the  asafcetida  plants  by  Holmes  (N.  88',  July  21;  41, 
Novb’r,  365).  Ferula  foetida ; Asafoetida;  Narthex;  foetidissima ; 
alliacea;  rubricaulis;  teterrima;  persica. 

Asclepias. 

A fluid  extract  ought  to  be  made  officinal.  Add  “tuberosa”  to 
title?  Oldberg  (D.  89,  6). 


Aspidium. 

Analysis  of  Aspidium  marginale  by  Keefer  (A.  88,  229). 

Atropina. 

On  heating  it  inflames,  and  gives  off  an  odor  like  benzoin  (T.  229). 
See  remarks  under  “ Hyoscyaminse  Sulphas.” 

Atropinae  Sulphas. 

Laneau’s  process  for  obtaining  it  in  crystals,  see  (T.  273.  A.  63, 
3i5)- 

Aurantii  Amari  Cortex. 


Aurantii  Dulcis  Cortex. 


Aurantii  Flores. 


Auri  et  Sodii  Chloridum. 


Azedarach. 

A fluid  extract  is  wanted.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  6). 


204 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Balsamun  Peruvianum. 

Test  of  purity.  Denner  shakes  the  balsam  with  soda  solution  and 
then  with  ether;  after  separating  the  ether,  the  aqueous  residue  is 
acidulated  with  hydrochloric  acid,  and  the  resin  separated  by  the  ad- 
dition of  cold  water.  The  resin  is  dissolved  in  soda  solution  and 
precipitated  by  chloride  of  barium.  The  precipitate  is  extracted 
with  alcohol,  and,  after  evaporation  of  the  alcohol,  taken  up  with 
sulphuric  acid,  and  a layer  of  chloroform  poured  on  top,  If  storax 
or  benzoin  are  present,  the  chloroform  is  colored  blue  (G.  88,  140. 
B.  88,  106). 

Cripps  tests  for  adulterations  by  digesting  the  balsam  for  15  min- 
utes in  bisulphide  of  carbon,  evaporating  the  solution  to  dryness, 
and  adding  cold  sulphuric  acid,  when  the  solution  will  be  of  a bright 
rose-red  color,  which  remains  for  some  time.  I11  case  of  adultera- 
tion, the  color  soon  turns  brown  (N.  88,  Novbr.,  422) 


Balsamum  Tolutanum. 

Properties.  Dissolved  in  the  smallest  quantity  of  solution  of  po- 
tassa,  it  acquires  an  odor  like  clove-pink.  Hatchett  (T.  282). 


Belladonnae  Folia. 


Add,  “Collected  from  plants  of  second  year’s  growth.” 
(D.  88,  6). 


Belladonnae  Radix. 


Oldberg 


Benzinum. 


Benzoinum. 

Assay.  Boil  with  slaked  lime  and  water,  filter  and  precipitate  the 
cooled  filtrate  with  hydrochloric  acid.  Moody  (A.  88,  606). 

Bismuthi  Citras. 

Hirsch  says  that  it  is  also  “microcrystalline”  (X.  I,  462). 

Bismuthi  et  Ammonii  Citras. 

Use  a gentle  heat  for  the  solution  (X.  I,  462.) 

Bismuthi  Subcarbonas. 

Examination  of  commercial  subcarbonate.  Moerck  (A.  88,  387). 
A test  for  subnitrate  is  wanted;  Moerck  found  up  to  6 p.  c.  (A. 
88,  387). 

Amount  of  arsenic  found  in  the  commercial  salt.  Hawkes  (A.  88, 
529.  B.  88,  190.  O.  88,  170). 

Bismuthi  Subnitras. 

It  is  microscrystalline  (X.  I,  470). 

Examination  of  the  commercial  salt.  Moerck  (A.  88,  385;  445). 
Amount  of  arsenic  found  in  the  commercial  salt.  Hawkes  (A.  88, 
529.  B.  88,  190.  O.  88,  170.) 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPCEIA. 


205 


Test  of  identity.  Hubert  mixes  any  substance  containing  bismuth, 
with  iodide  of  potassium  and  sulphur,  and  submits  it  to  the  blowpipe 
on  charcoal  (B.  88,  217). 

Test  for  arsenic.  2 Gm.  of  the  subnitrate  are  heated  moderately 
with  5 Gm.  of  ammonia,  and  filtered.  Ten  drops  of  the  filtrate  are 
evaporated  on  a watcliglass,  and  cautiously  heated  as  long  as  vapors 
appear.  The  crystalline  residue  (if  any)  is  dissolved  in  a drop  of 
water,  and  solution  of  silver  nitrate  added,  when  a brown  opalescence 
appears.  This  test  shows  3 mgm.  of  arsenic  in  2 Gm.  Beckurts  (K. 
84,  268). 

Bray  era. 


Bromum. 


Bryonia. 

A fluid  extract  is  desirable.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  6). 

Buchu. 

Chemistry,  Shimo3mma  (A.  88,  624.  T.  88,  403). 

Microscopy,  Shimoyama  (L.  88,  64). 

Oldberg  wants  only  the  “short”  leaves  recognized  (D.  89,  6). 

Caffeina. 

Test  of  identity.  Solution  of  iodide  of  potassium  and  mercury  (pro- 
duced by  saturating  a solution  of  iodide  of  potassium  with  red  oxide 
of  mercury)  precipitates  it  in  shining,  white,  acicular  crystals; 
other  alkaloids  are  precipitated  in  the  amorphous  state.  Delfs  (T. 
316). 

Calamus. 


Calcii  Bromidum. 

Hirsch  states  that  the  gravimetric  test  is  better  replaced  by  a vol- 
umetric. 1 Gm.  of  the  dry  salt  should  require  10  C.  c.  of  decinormal 
silver  solution  (X.  I,  491). 

Calcii  Carbonas  Prsecipitatus. 

A microcrystalline  powder  (X.  I,  493). 

Alcock  reports  on  a contamination  with  hyposulphite  (N.  88, 
March,  804.  O.  88,  442). 

Calcii  Chloridum. 


Calcii  Hypophosphis. 

Keep  in  well-stopped  bottles,  protected  from  light  (X.  I,  496). 

Calcii  Phosphas  Prsecipitatus. 

It  acquires  a yellow  color  on  being  moistened  with  solution  of  ni- 
trate of  silver  (X.  I,  498). 


206 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Calendula. 

Only  the  flowers  should  be  officinal.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  6). 

Calumba. 

How  is  it  to  be  distinguished  from  Bryonia  ? The  respective  de- 
scriptions are  not  sufficiently  distinctive. 

Calx. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  marble  yields  the  purest  lime,  should  the 
Pharmacopoeia  not  insist  upon  that  made  by  calcining  marble  ? 

Calx  Chlorata. 

Although  the  English  title  is  “ chlorinated”  lime,  the  description 
speaks  of  “chloride”  of  lime.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  6). 

Calx  Sulphurata. 


Cambogia. 

Oldberg  thinks  “ Cambogium  ” more  correct  (D.  89,  6). 

Camphora. 

Keep  in  well  closed  containers  in  a cool  place  (X.  I,  500). 

Camphora  Monobromata. 

Melts  at  76°  C.  (X.  I,  501). 

Cannabis  Americana. 

The  tops  only  should  be  officinal.  A fluid  extract  is  desirable. 
Oldberg  (D.  89,  6). 

Cannabis  Indica. 


Cantharis. 

Expose  in  a closed  vessel  to  the  vapors  of  carbolic  acid,  in  order  to 
preserve  it  (T.  355). 

A paragraph  defining  inadmissible  substitutes  or  objectionable 
properties  of  the  officinal  cantharides  might  be  useful  here. 

Capsicum. 


Carbo  Animalis. 


Carbo  Animalis  Purificatus. 

The  hydrochloric  acid  should  be  mixed  with  “hot”  water  (X. 

1, 507)- 

Oldberg  recommends  to  wash  with  alkali  as  well  (D.  89,  6). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


207 


Carbo  Ligni. 

Tests  for  impurities  are  wanted. 

Keep  in  well-closed  containers. 

Carboneum  Bisulphidum. 


Cardamomum. 


The  seeds  only  should  be  directed  in  the  different  preparations. 
Oldberg  (D.  89,  6). 


Carum. 


Caryophyllus. 

Hirsch  detects  already  exhausted  cloves  by  the  yield  of  alcoholic 
extract.  Cloves  yield  ordinarily  30  p.  c. ; spent  cloves  seldom  more 
than  5 p.  c.  (X.  I,  513). 

Cascarilla. 

When  burned,  it  emits  a strong,  aromatic,  “musk  like”  odor. 
(T.  378).  A fluid  extract  or  tincture  is  wanted.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  6). 

Cassia  Fistula. 


Castanea. 


Catechu. 

Comparison  between  gambier  and  catechu,  Trimble  (A.  88,  497. 
O.  88,  99),  who  would  prefer  gambier,  because  it  is  purer,  and  con- 
tains more  available  astringent  matter. 

Caulophyllum. 

The  best  menstruum  is  3 parts  of  alcohol  and  1 of  water.  Bunting 
(A.  88,  73). 

A fluid  extract  is  desirable.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  6). 

Cera  Alba. 


Cera  Flava. 

Test  for  Ceresin.  Melt  the  wax  in  a test  tube,  add  to  it  25  times 
its  weight  of  chloroform,  agitate  gently,  and  allow  the  tube  to  stand 
for  a couple  of  hours  at  65°  F.  Pure  bees-wax  gives  a clear  solution, 
also  after  cooling;  in  the  presence  of  ceresin,  the  mixture,  which  is 
clear  wrhile  warm,  becomes  covered,  upon  cooling,  with  a turbid, 
whitish  layer  of  from  1 to  3 C.c.  thick  (E.  88,  154.  K.  . . .). 

Saponification  numbers  of  different  kinds  of  wax.  Hiibl  (A.  88, 
561.  Ch.  Zeit.  88,  1277). 

The  test  for  paraffin  of  the  U.  S.  Ph.  is  untrustworthy,  and  either 
Buchner’s  (boiling  with  an  alcoholic  solution  of  potassa,  and  keep- 

14 


208 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


ing  for  some  time  at  the  temperature  of  a water  bath,  when  it  should 
remain  clear),  or  Hager’s  (heating  with  solution  of  carbonate  of 
sodium,  adding  benzol,  keeping  at  the  temperature  of  a water  bath 
and  letting  cool,  when  the  top  layer  should  be  clear),  or  Hiibl’s 
iodine  absorption  method,  are  considered  more  reliable.  Rice  (B.  88, 
38). 

Horn  tests  for  paraffin  by  saponifying  the  wax  with  a solution  of 
potassa  in  absolute  alcohol,  and  separating  the  unsaponified  myricyl 
alcohol  and  paraffin  (if  present)  which  is  boiled  in  the  acetic  anhy- 
dride, when  myricyl  alcohol  will  be  dissolved,  while  the  paraffin 
floats  on  top  in  drops.  Separate  the  paraffin,  dissolve  in  chloroform, 
filter  and  evaporate  (B.  88,  219.  Zeit.  Angew.  Ch.  88  . . . ). 

Horn  tests  for  resin  by  digesting  with  alcohol,  which  dissolves  the 
resin,  and  takes  up  but  little  wax.  The  residue  after  evaporation  is 
treated  according  to  Donath’s  method  by  boiling  with  nitric  acid, 
diluting  with  water,  and  adding  excess  of  ammonia,  when  a blood- 
red  color  will  be  produced  (S.  88,  January  85). 

Ceratum. 


Ceratum  Camphorse. 
Ceratum  Cantharidis. 
Ceratum  Cetacei. 


Ceratum  Extracti  Cantharidis. 
Ceratum  Plumbi  Subacetatis. 


Ceratum  Resinse. 


Ceratum  Sabinae. 


Cerii  Oxalas. 

Hirsch  gives  the  equivalents  702  and  351,  against  U.  S.  Ph.  708 
and  354  (X.  I,  526). 

Cetaceum. 


Cetraria. 


Charta  Cantharidis. 


Charta  Potassii  Nitratis. 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA.  209 

Charta  Sinapis. 

One  part  of  rubber  dissolved  in  1 5 parts  each  of  bisulphide  of  car- 
bon and  benzin,  is  better  (T.  409). 

Chelidonium. 

A fluid  extract  or  tincture  is  wanted.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  6). 

Chenopodium. 


Chimaphila. 


Chenoidinum. 

The  proper  spelling  of  the  English  synonym  should  be  Chinoidin^. 
Remington  (U.  821). 

If  this  substance  is  retained  in  the  Pharmacopaeia,  it  will  probably 
be  found  preferable  to  call  it  ‘ ‘ Quinoidina,  ’ ’ to  preserve  the  analogy 
with  “ quinine,’ ’ “ quinidine,”  etc. 

Chirata. 


Chloral. 

Odor  like  an  over-ripe  melon  (T.  419). 

Chloroformum  Purification. 

The  p.  c.  of  alcohol  is  estimated  by  the  power  to  dissolve  cincho- 
nine. Oudemans,  Jr.  (T.  426.  A.  73,  223). 

If  in  the  ‘ 4 shaking  ’ ’ test  with  sulphuric  acid  the  bottle  or  flask 
should  feel  hot,  too  much  alcohol  or  water  may  be  suspected  (T. 
428). 

Test  for  purity.  On  distilling  300  Gm.  until  2 C.c.  remain,  this 
residue  should  not  darken  on  the  addition  of  sulphuric  acid,  nor 
.should  an  odor  of  fusel  oil  be  developed. — 40  Gm.  shaken  repeatedly 
with  30  Gm.  of  sulphuric  acid,  should  not  darken  within  48  hours, 
and  the  decanted  chloroform  should  not  color  iodide  of  zinc  and 
starch  solution  (Ph.  Germ.)  blue;  nor  should  water,  shaken  with  the 
decanted  chloroform,  and  filtered  into  a solution  of  nitrate  of  silver, 
cause  any  change  in  the  latter.  Schwarz  and  Will  (A.  88,  558.  Ph. 
Zeit.  88,  551). — See  also  Traub  (R.  88,  417.  O.  88,  491). 

Estimation.  St.  Martin  takes  advantage  of  the  decomposition  of 
chloroform  by  alcoholic  potassa  into  formate  and  chlorate  of  potassi- 
um (B.  88,  88;  174.  O.  88,  490.  E.  88,  154). 

Chloroforum  Venale. 


Chondrus. 


210 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Chrysarobinum. 

On  chrysarobin  and  its  relation  to  chrysophanic  acid  see  (The 
Analyst  (London),  85,  Nov.). 

The  color  is  pale  orange-yellow  only  when  fresh;  it  darkens  rap- 
idly (T.  433). 

Cimicifuga. 

The  odor  is  “ peculiar  and  disagreeable”  (T.  434). 

Cinchona. 

The  total  alkaloids  should  not  be  less  than  4 p.  c.  Oldberg  (D. 

89,  6). 

Oldberg  and  Wall  recommend  as  a reliable,  though  rough  test, 
Grahe’s  well-known  reaction  by  dry  distillation  : Heat  the  powdered 
bark  in  a test  tube,  held  slantingly,  when  a red,  oily  liquid  will  col- 
lect in  the  upper  part  of  the  tube,  if  the  bark  contains  cinchona  alka- 
loids, otherwise  the  usual  brown  product  of  destructive  distillation 
will  appear  (R.  331). 

In  order  to  insure  uniform  strength  of  preparations  of  cinchona, 
Guillermond  recommends  to  make  an  extract  by  exhausting  bark, 
yielding  3.2  p.  c.  of  sulphate  of  quinine,  with  alcohol  and  evaporat- 
ing. From  this  extract  all  preparations  are  to  be  made.  (T.  468, 
note.  Jl.  de  Ph.  et  de  Ch.) 

The  “home”  of  the  cinchonas.  Rusby  (A.  88,  142;  310). 

Test  of  the  Ph.  Germ.  Com.  Shake  20  Gm.  of  the  powdered  bark 
repeatedly  with  10  Gm.  of  ammonia,  20  Gm.  of  alcohol  (sp.  gr. 
0.832)  and  170  Gm.  of  ether  (sp.  gr.  0.726);  pour  off  after  one  day 
100  Gm.  of  the  clear  liquid.  Add  3 C.  c.  of  normal  hydrochloric 
acid  and  27  C.  c.  of  water,  distil  off  the  ether  and  alcohol,  and  add 
more  of  the  hydrochloric  acid,  if  needed,  to  acidulate.  Filter  and 
add  3.5  C.  c.  of  cold  normal  alkali,  or  sufficient  to  redden  phenol- 
phthalein  paper.  Wash  the  precipitate  on  a filter,  press  gently  be- 
tween filtering  paper,  and  dry,  finally  over  sulphuric  acid.  The 
weight  must  not  be  less  than  0.35  Gm.  (because  the  German  Phar- 
macopoeia requires  3.5  p.  c.  of  total  alkaloids;  according  to  the  require- 
ments of  the  U.  S.  Ph.  the  weight  should  not  be  less  than  0.3  Gm.) 
(B.  88,  170.  L.  88,  382). 

Assay.  Weida  gives  a resume  of  25  different  processes,  and  thinks 
^hat  Prollius’  method,  with  some  modifications,  will  be  found  to  be 
the  best,  as  it  now  is  among  the  easiest  (C.  88,  249;  264). 

Hybridization  and  its  effect  on  the  alkaloidal  yield.  Hooper  (N. 
88,  Oct.,  296,  504). 


Cinchona  Flava. 


Cinchona  Rubra. 


Cinchonidinse  Sulphas. 

According  to  Hesse  and  other  chemists,  the  correct  formula  for 
cinchonidine  is  C19H22N2O.  Power  (G.  88,  274). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPCErA. 


21  I 


Cinchonina. 

According  to  Hesse  and  other  chemists  the  correct  formula  is 
C19H22N20.  Power  (G.  88,  274). 

Bill  proposes  ferrocyanide  of  potassium  as  a delicate  test;  it  pro- 
duces a yellowish-white,  curdy  precipitate,  which  dissolves  on  heat- 
ing, but  on  cooling  is  thrown  down  as  golden-yellow  crystals  (T. 
471.  Am.  Jl.  Sci.). 

Cinchoninse  Sulphas. 

Polysulphide  of  potassium  serves  to  distinguish  between  this  salt 
and  sulphate  of  quinine.  Added  to  a boiling  solution  of  the  latter 
salt,  a red,  terebinthinate  mass  is  precipitated,  while  with  the  former 
a white  powder,  containing  sulphur.  Palm  (T.  473,  note.  Jl.  de  Ph. 
et  de  Ch.). 

Cinnamomum. 


Coccus. 


Codeina. 


Colchici  Radix. 

A tasteless  colchicum  root  should  be  rejected  (X.  I,  479). 

Colchici  Semen. 

Assay.  Exhaust  the  whole  seed  with  alcohol,  add  water,  distil 
olf  the  alcohol,  filter,  shake  the  filtrate  with  chloroform,  evaporate 
and  dry.  Kremel  (Ch.  Zeit.,  87,  24.  G.  87,  94.  O.  88,  309). 

Collodium. 


Collodium  cum  Cantharide. 

Collodium  Flexile. 

m 

Sourissean  proposes  an  addition  of  elemi. — Startin  adds  lard,  previ- 
ously dissolved  in  ether  (T.  491). 

Collodium  Stypticum. 


Colocynthis. 


Confectio  Rosse. 


Confectio  Sennse. 


Conium. 


212 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Copaiba. 


Coriandrum. 


Cornus  Florida. 


Creasotum. 

Test  for  carbolic  acid.  Shake  2 volumes  of  creasote  with  20  vol- 
umes of  10  p.  c.  ammonia,  and  allow  to  separate.  If  pure,  the  vol- 
ume of  creasote  will  have  been  diminished  half  a volume,  and  the 
ammonia  does  not  become  blue,  even  after  48  hours.  In  the  pres- 
ence of  carbolic  acid,  the  volume  is  diminished  much  more,  and  the 
ammonia  will  be  colored  blue.  Kremel  (G.  88,  164.  Ch.  Zeit.  88, 
144).  It  requires  120  parts  of  hot  water  for  a clear  solution.  Ph. 
Germ. 

Creta  Praeparata. 


Crocus. 

Keep  protected  from  light  (X.  K,  608). 

Cubeba. 

Distinction  between  ripe  and  unripe  berries.  The  ripe  berries, 
when  bruised  and  boiled  in  water,  give  a deep  blue  coloration  with 
tincture  of  iodine,  the  unripe  berries  do  not  (N.  87,  Dec.,  461.  O. 
88,  315). 

Cupri  Acetas. 


Cupri  Sulphas. 


Cydonium. 


Cypripedium. 

“Faint”  odor  is  not  correct;  it  is  “strong”  (R.  397). 
Condensed  description  of  both  roots  by  Maisch,  see  (T.  530). 

Decoctum  Cetrariae. 


Decoctum  Sarsaparillae  Compositum. 


Digitalis. 

Amount  of  digitaline  in  the  different  proportions.  Crull  (A.  87, 
610.  O.  88,  319). 

Dulcamara. 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


213 


Elaterinum. 


Elixir  Aurantii. 


Emplastrum  Ammoniaci. 


Emplastrum  Ammoniaci  cum  Hydrargyro. 

The  addition  of  lead  plaster  is  unnecessary  (T.  556). 

Emplastrum  Arnicae. 
Emplastrum  Assafcetidae. 
Emplastrum  Belladonnae. 
Emplastrum  Capsici. 


Emplastrum  Ferri. 

The  substitution  of  Canada  turpentine  for  the  Burgundy  pitch  of 
U.  S.  Ph.  1870  is  injudicious.  A little  olive  oil  would  have  rendered 
the  former  plaster  softer  (T.  558). 

Emplastrum  Galbani. 

Emplastrum  Hydrargyri. 

Emplastrum  Ichthyocollae. 

Emplastrum  Opii. 

Emplastrum  Picis  Burgundicae. 

Fifteen  p.  c.  of  wax,  instead  of  10  p.  c.,  and  the  addition  of  5 p.  c. 
of  olive  oil  would  improve  the  plaster  (T.  561). 

Emplastrum  Picis  Canadensis. 

Fifteen  p.  c.  of  wax  would  be  better  (T.  562). 

Emplastrum  Picis  cum  Cantharide. 

The  substitution  of  cerate  of  extract  of  cantharides  for  the  cerate 
of  cantharides  would  be  better  (T.  563). 

Close  recommends  Bungundy  pitch  plaster  for  the  Burgundy  pitch, 
and  that  the  cerate  be  replaced  by  powdered  cantharides  (T.  563.  A. 
67,  20). 


214 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Emplastrum  Plumbi. 

Hager  prevents  brittleness  by  adding  3 to  4 p.  c.  of  petrolatum 
(G.  88,  92.  K.  88,  133). 

Emplastrum  Resinse. 

Emplastrum  Saponis. 


Ergota. 


Erythroxylon. 

“At  home  and  abroad.”  Rusby  (A.  88,  199.  C.  88,  103;  119;  165). 
The  yield  of  cocaine  varies  according  to  the  age  of  the  leaves. 
Pfeiffer  (B.  88,  7.  O.  88,  558.  Ch.  Zeit.). 

The  color  of  the  leaves  ought  to  be  mentioned. 

Eucalyptus. 


Euonymus. 


Eupatorium. 

Analysis  of  the  leaves  by  Franz  (A.  88,  77). 

Extracta  Solida. 

Oldberg  wants  either  a soft  or  a dry  consistence  (in  some  cases 
both). — A fixed  standard  with  reference  to  the  drug. — Period  of 
maceration  is  insufficient  (D.  89,  6;  7). 

Test  for  dextrin.  Dissolve  2 Gm.  of  the  extract  in  50  Gm.  of  cold 
water,  and  add  5 Gm.  of  solution  of  subacetate  of  lead,  which  pre- 
cipitates tannin,  gum,  alkaloids  and  coloring  matter.  Filter,  wash 
with  cold  water,  and  remove  excess  of  lead  with  hydrosulphuric  acid 
gas;  evaporate  to  less  than  I volume,  and  add  an  equal  bulk  of  alco- 
hol. In  the  absence  of  dextrin,  the  mixture  remains  clear.  The 
precipitated  dextrin  may  be  dried  and  weighed.  Pannetier  (G.  88, 
67.  B.  88,  69.  O.  88,  245.  Jl.  de  Ph.  et  de  Ch.  88;  58). 

Powdered  extracts.  Squibb  remarks  on  the  difficulty  of  obtaining 
many  extracts  in  a powdered  form,  and  wonders  how  other  manufac- 
turers succeed  (F.  87,  982.  O.  88,  244). 

Extracta  Fluida. 

Squibb’ s remarks  as  to  the  rationale  in  constructing  formulas  for 
flu  d extracts,  see  (T.  599,  note). 

Detannation.  Tiarks  protests  against  the  proposed  detannation  of 
some  of  the  fluid  extracts,  because  the  internal  relation  of  the  several 
constituents  is  seriously  disturbed  by  it  (G.  88,  160). 

Percolation.  Tilly’s  remarks  on  percolation  and  a modification  of 
re-percolation,  the  chief  idea  of  which  is  to  use  the  “reserved”  por- 
tion of  the  percolate  to  moisten  the  next  portion  of  the  drug,  see 
(B.  88,  144). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


215 


Oldberg  wants  the  maximum  and  minimum  p.  c.  of  solid  extract 
stated,  also  the  p.  c.  of  alcohol  (D.  89,  42). 

Description  and  test  of  identity  and  strength  should  be  given 
wherever  practicable. — The  Pharmacopoeia  should  also  direct  that  a 
period  of  rest  be  given,  before  the  fluid  extract  is  to  be  used,  so  as  to 
permit  it  to  deposit  solid  matter.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  42). 

The  maceration  ought  to  continue  for  4 days  instead  of  48  hours; 
then,  on  starting  percolation,  allow  the  saturated  solution  to  run 
out  before  adding  fresh  menstruum  on  top.  Oldberg  also  advocates 
a kind  of  intermittent  percolation.  See  (D.  89,  41). 

Since  the  making  of  reliable  fluid  extracts  depends  a great  deal  on 
skill,  Oldberg  is  in  favor  of  “half-strength  fluid  extracts,”  which 
preparations,  however,  should  bear  a specific  title  (D.  89,  41). 

Influence  of  direct  sunlight.  Lilly  ( C.  88,  233).  He  finds  that 
the  deposits  are  caused  more  by  variations  in  temperature  than  by 
the  action  of  light. 

About  the  propriety  of  stopping  percolation,  when  a certain  amount 
of  extractive  has  been  obtained,  see  Stuart  (M.  88,  128.  O.  88, 
25°)- 

Examination.  Jungk  gives  directions  for  determining  the  amount 
of  water,  extract  and  ash  in  a drug,  by  extracting  it  with  a certain 
menstruum.  Allowance  must  be  made  in  each  case  for  the  amount 
of  water  contained  in  the  air-dried  drug. — A good  fluid  extract 
ought  to  contain  everything  which  the  special  menstruum  is  able  to 
extract. — Determining  the  strength  of  alcohol:  Shake  5 C.  c.  of  the 
fluid  extract  with  20  C.  c.  of  concentrated  ether,  and  allow  to  sepa- 
rate. The  increase  in  the  volume  of  the  ether  is  in  a certain  propor- 
tion to  the  strength  of  the  alcohol. — A table  is  given  for  the  different 
p.  c.  of  alcohol;  and  similarly  for  glycerin.  See  (Y.  86,  May,  113). 

Extractum  Aconiti. 

Comparative  table  of  the  alkaloidal  strength  of  the  extract,  as 
made  according  to  the  different  pharmacopoeias.  Kordes  (A.  88, 
402.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl.  88,  340). 

Extractum  Aconiti  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Aloes  Aquosum. 


Extractum  Arnicse  Radicis. 


Extractum  Arnicse  Radicis  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Aromaticum  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Aurantii  Amari  Fluidum. 


2l6 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Extractum  Belladonnae  Alcoholicum. 

Standard  extract.  Dunstan  and  Ransom  exhaust  i pound  of  the 
root  with  a mixture  of  48  fl.  oz.  of  rectified  spirit  and  12  fl.  oz.  of 
distilled  water,  ascertain  the  exact  p.  c.  of  alkaloids,  evaporate  to 
dryness  over  a waterbath,  and  add  sufficient  sugar  of  milk  to  make  the 
product  weigh  exactly  50  times  the  weight  of  total  alkaloids  found, 
when  the  extract  will  be  found  to  contain  2 p.  c.  of  alkaloids  (T.  609, 
note,  N.  87,  844.  See  also  N.  86,  March  13  ; and  B.  86,  96). 

Comparative  table  of  alkaloidal  strength,  as  made  according  to  the 
different  pharmacopoeias.  Kordes  (A.  88,  452.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl., 
88,  386). 

Extractum  Belladonnae  Fluidum. 

Edward  prefers  a 70  or  80  p.  c.  alcohol  (M.  88,  90.  O.  88,  254). 

Extractum  Brayerae  Fluidum. 

Oldberg  recommends  a No.  60  powder  (D.  89,  42). 

Extractum  Buchu  Fluidum. 

Remarks  about  the  repercolation.  Beck  (A.  88,  137). 

“Alcohol”  is  a better  menstruum.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  42). 

Extractum  Calami  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Calumbae  Fluidum. 

No.  40  powder  is  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  42). 

Extractum  Cannabis  Indicae. 

No.  20  powder  is  too  coarse.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  7). 

Extractum  Cannabis  Indicae  Fluidum. 

No.  60  powder  is  a better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  42). 

Extractum  Capsici  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Castaneae  Fluidum. 

Klie  states  that  by  using  diluted  alcohol  as  a menstruum,  no  diffi- 
culty is  experienced  (W.  87,  Aug.  91). 

Extractum  Chimaphilae  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Chiratae  Fluidum. 

Glycerin  would  seem  to  be  unnecessary  (T.  616). 

Extractum  Cimicifugae  Fluidum. 

Menstruum.  A mixture  of  3 parts  of  alcohol  and  1 of  water  ex- 
hausts perfectly,  and  seems  in  some  respects  better  than  alcohol  alone. 
Lesher  (A.  88,  7.  O.  88,  254). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA.  217 

Extractum  Cinchonae. 

Should  be  assayed  to  contain  20  p.  c.  of  total  alkaloids.  Oldberg 
(D.  89,  7). 

Extractum  Cinchonae  Fluidum. 

A formula  for  simplification  of  the  liquid  extract  of  Ph.  Brit.,  see 
(T.  619,  note). 

Extractum  Colchici  Radicis. 

It  would  be  preferable  to  add  the  whole  menstruum  at  once,  as  the 
powder  has  a tendency  to  swell  (T.  620). 

Extractum  Colchici  Radicis  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Colchici  Seminis  Fluidum. 

It  can  be  made  as  well  from  the  unbroken  seed,  if  digested  at  8o° 
C.  Morris  (T.  621.  A.  81,  7). 

Extractum  Colocynthidis. 


Extractum  Colocynthidis  Compositum. 


Extractum  Conii  Alcoholicum. 

Comparative  table  of  alkaloidal  strength,  as  made  according  to  the 
different  pharmacopoeias.  Kordes  (A.  88,  555.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl.  88, 
455)- 

Extractum  Conii  Fluidum. 

Test  of  quality.  An  odor  resembling  that  of  mouse-urine  is  given 
out  upon  addition  of  solution  of  potassa  (T.  625). 

Alkaloidal  strength.  Kordes  (A.  88,  555.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl.  88, 
455)- 


Extractum  Cornus  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Cubebae  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Cypripedii  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Digitalis. 


Extractum  Digitalis  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Dulcamarae  Fluidum. 

No.  60  powder  is  unnecessarily  fine.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  42). 


2 18 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Extractum  Ergotae. 


Extractum  Ergotae  Fluidum. 

Test  of  quality.  Odor  of  propylamine  on  addition  of  solution  of 
potassa  (T.  629) 

Extractum  Erythroxyli  Fluidum. 

No.  60  powder  and  “ alcohol”  would  be  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89, 
42). 

Extractum  Eucalypti  Fluidum. 

No.  60  powder  is  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  42). 

Extractum  Euonymi. 


Extractum  Eupatorii  Fluidum. 

* Extractum  Frangulae  Fluidum. 

No.  60  powder  and  a stronger  alcoholic  menstruum  are  better. 
Oldberg  (D.  89,  42). 

Extractum  Gelsemii  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Gentianae. 

Repeated  macerations  in  cold  water  and  expression  gives  as  good 
result  as  percolation  (T.  632). 

Extractum  Gentianae  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Geranii  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Glycyrrhizae. 

Examination  of  different  brands.  Miintzer  (A.  88,  607). 

Extractum  Glycyrrhizae  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Glycyrrhizae  Purum. 

It  is  more  convenient  to  work  with  an  extract  of  soft  consistence, 
than  with  one  of  pilular.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  7). 

Extractum  Gossypii  Radicis  Fluidum. 

No.  60  powder  and  no  glycerin  would  be  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89, 
42). 

Extractum  Grindeliae  Fluidum. 

No.  60  powder  and  “alcohol”  are  preferable.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  42). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


219 


Extractum  Guaranse  Fluidum. 

“Alcohol”  is  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  42). 

Extractum  Haematoxyli. 

“The  commercial  extract  of  logwood  must  not  be  used  instead.” 
“ Rasped”  haematoxylon.  Siebold  calls  attention  to  the  fact  that 
the  commercial  wood  has  undergone  fermentation,  and  that  there- 
fore the  blocks  of  wood  ought  to  be  used  (N.  87,  1008). 

Oldberg  recommends  to  evaporate  to  a dry  powder  (D.  88,  7). 

Extractum  Hamamelidis  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Hydrastis  Fluidum. 

The  yellow  precipitate,  deposited  on  standing,  has  been  shown  to 
be  phytosterin.  Schmidt  (A.  88,  561.  Ph.  Zeit.,  88,  572). 

“Alcohol”  is  a better  menstruum.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  42) 

Extractum  Hyoscyami  Alcoholicum. 

Comparative  table  of  alkaloidal  strength,  as  made  according  to  the 
different  pharmacopoeias.  Kordes  (A.  88,  452.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl., 
88,  386). 

Extractum  Hyoscyami  Fluidum. 

Alkaloidal  strength.  Kordes  (A.  88,  452.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl.,  88, 
386). 

Extractum  Xpecacuanhae  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Iridis. 


Extractum  Iridis  Fluidum. 

“Alcohol”  is  a better  menstruum.  Olberg  (D.  89,  42). 

Extractum  Juglandis. 


Extractum  Krameriae. 

Ought  to  be  evaporated  to  a dry  powder.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  7). 

Heating  and  straining  the  infusion  seem  scarcely  necessary,  be- 
cause krameria  apparently  contains  no  albuminous  matter  (T.  645). 

Extractum  Krameriae  Fluidum. 

No.  40  powder  is  better.  Oldberg  (89,  42). 

Extractum  Lactucarii  Fluidum. 

Behringer  gives  an  improvement  on  Temberger’s  process  : Reduce 
100  Gm.  of  lactucarium  to  a coarse  powder  with  pumice  stone,  and 
macerate  for  a couple  of  days  with  400  C.  c.  of  benzin ; throw  on  a 
filter,  wash  with  more  benzin,  and  allow  to  dry  spontaneously.  Next 


220 


DIGEST  0E  CRITICISMS 


percolate  first  with  a mixture  of  25  C.  c.  of  glycerin,  75  C.  c.  of  water 
and  100  C.  c.  of  alcohol,  then  with  diluted  alcohol,  until  the  powder 
is  exhausted  ; reserve  the  first  125  C.  c.,  evaporate  the  remainder  to 
75  C.  c.,  mix  and  filter  (A.  88,  72.  O.  88,  283). 

Extractum  Leptandrse. 

It  will  be  better  to  evaporate  to  dryness,  and  then  to  reduce  to 
powder.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  7). 


Extractum  Leptandrae  Fluidum. 


The  menstruum  ought  to  be  stronger  in  alcohol. 
42). 


Extractum  Lobeliae  Fluidum. 


Oldberg  (D.  89, 


Extractum  Lupulini  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Malti. 

Manufacturers  on  the  large  scale.  Irwin  (Weekly  Drugg. , 84,  389). 
Assay  by  Rintner  (B.  88,  57.  Jl.  prakt.  Ch.,  85,  232). 

Extractum  Matico  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Mezerei. 

Oldberg  would  prefer  a semi-liquid  consistence.  (D.  89,  7). 

Extractum  Mezerei  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Nucis  Vomicae. 

Comparative  table  of  alkaloidal  strength,  as  made  according  to  the 
different  pharmacopoeias.  Kordes  (A.  88,  559.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl., 
88,  537)- 

Removal  of  the  fixed  oil  by  various  solvents,  Simonson  (B.  88,  122. 
M.  88,  287).  The  latter  found  benzin  to  be  best,  and  the  best  result 
w^s  obtained  by  first  extracting  nux  vomica  according  to  the  officinal 
process,  then  treating  the  thick  syrupy  residue  of  the  distillation  re- 
peatedly with  benzin,  till  all  fat  is  removed,  evaporating  the  residue, 
etc. 

Strength . Simonson  found  the  p.  c.  of  alkaloids  of  the  powdered 
extract  of  commerce  to  vary  from  2.20  to  18.96  p.  c.,  and  thinks 
that  the  standard  should  not  be  lower  than  16.5  p.  c.  (B.  88,  122). 
The  proper  way  in  which  to  calculate  the  p.  c.,  see  (B.  88,  123). 

Extractum  Nucis  Vomicae  Fluidum. 

Alkaloidal  strength.  Kordes  (A.  88,  559.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl.,  88,  537). 

Extractum  Opii. 

Glycerin  is  superfluous;  better  evaporate  to  dryness,  and  powder 
(R-  733)- 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


221 


Estimation  of  narco  tine.  Dissolve  i gm.  of  the  extract  in  20  C.  c. 
of  water,  filter  and  mix  with  10  Gm.  of  acetate  of  sodium;  shake  sev- 
eral times  with  ether.  Theetheral  liquids  are  mixed  and  evaporated, 
yielding  narcotine.  Kremel  (E.  88,  128.  O.  88,  247.  Schweiz. 
Woch.). 

Extractum  Pareirae  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Physostigmatis. 

The  oil  should  be  removed;  see  Abstractum  Ignatiae.  Oldberg  (D. 

89,  8). 

Extractum  Pilocarpi  Fluidum. 

No.  60  powder  and  “alcohol”  would  be  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89, 
43)- 

Extractum  Podophylli. 

“Alcohol”  is  better.  Evaporate  to  dryness  and  powder.  Old- 
berg (D.  89,  48). 


Extractum  Podophylli  Fluidum. 

Examination  of  the  precipitate  usually  found.  Heiuritz  (B.  88, 
222.  O.  88,  252). 

Extractum  Pruni  Virginianae  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Quassiae. 


Extractum  Quassiae  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Rhei. 


8). 


Oldberg  recommends  both  a soft  extract  and  a dry  powder  (D.  89, 


Extractum  Rhei  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Rhois  Glabrae  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Rosae  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Rubi  Fluidum. 

Evans  arrives  at  the  conclusion  that  a stronger  alcoholic  men- 
struum, for  instance,  3 parts  of  alcohol  and  1 of  water,  with  20  p.  c. 
of  glycerin,  will  largely  prevent  the  formation  of  a deposit  (A.  88, 
227.  O.  88,  254). 


222 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Extractum  Rumicis  Fluidum. 

A stronger  alcoholic  menstruum  is  desirable.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  43). 

Extractum  Sabinae  Fluidum. 

No.  60  powder  is  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  43). 

Extractum  Sanguinariae  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Sarsaparillae  Compositum  Fluidum. 
Extractum  Sarsaparillae  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Scillae  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Scutellariae  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Senegae  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Sennae  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Serpentariae  Fluidum. 

“ Alcohol”  is  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  43). 

Extractum  Spigeliae  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Stillingiae  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Stramonii. 

The  oil  should  be  removed.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  8). 

Extractum  Stramonii  Fluidum. 

Alkaloidal  strength.  Kordes  (A.  88,  455.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl.,  88, 
386). 

Extractum  Taraxaci. 

Extractum  Taraxaci  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Tritici  Fluidum. 


Extractum  Uvae  Ursi  Fluidum. 


223 


OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 

Extractum  Valerianae  Fluidum. 

Either  ‘ ‘ alcohol’  ’ or  3 parts  of  alcohol  and  1 of  water  are  better 
menstrua.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  43). 

Extractum  Veratri  Viridis  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Viburni  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Xanthoxyli  Fluidum. 

Extractum  Zingiberis  Fluidum. 


Fel  Bovis. 


Fel  Bovis  Inspissatum. 

Use  a “well-wetted”  straining  cloth.  (R.  458). 

Fel  Bovis  Purificatum. 

“ 24  hours”  are  not  sufficient ; it  requires  several  days  for  complete 
separation.  (R.  459). 

Ferri  Carbonas  Saccharatus. 

It  would  be  better  to  add  sugar  or  syrup  to  the  two  solutions, 
before  mixing,  in  order  to  protect  the  precipitate  (T.  679). 

It  is  not  necessary  to  cool  before  mixing ; by  using  hot  liquids,  a 
much  denser  precipitate  is  obtained,  and  it  is  also  more  easily  washed. 
The  product  ought  to  have  a definite  weight.  By  making,  for 
instance,  4 parts  of  saccharated  iron  from  3 parts  of  ferrous  sulphate, 
the  product  will  contain  30  p.  c.  of  ferrous  carbonate.  Oldberg  (D. 
89.  33)- 

A process  for  saccharated  oxide  of  iron  by  Traub,  see  (A.  88,  r5). 

Schacht  shortens  the  assay  process  of  Strohmeyer  (see  Part  I.,  76), 
by  carrying  it  out  in  the  same  flask  to  the  end  (E.  87,  907.  O.  88, 
447)- 

Ferri  Chloridum. 

“Wholly  soluble”  in  ether.  Ph.  Germ.  Com.  replaces  ether  by 
“spirit  of  ether,”  Spiiitus  <zthereus : Ether  (sp.  gr.  0.726),  1 part, 
alcohol  (sp.  gr.  0.832),  3 parts),  because  there  will  always  be  formed 
more  or  less  oxychloride  of  iron,  which  is  insoluble  in  ether,  but 
soluble  in  spirit  of  ether  (E.  88,  387). 

Ferri  Citras. 

Keep  in  a well-stopped  bottle  in  a dark  place  (X.  II.,  16). 

Ferri  et  Ammonii  Citras. 

\ Eloyd  proposes  citrate  of  ammonium  instead  of  ammonia  (T.  683, 
note.  I.  79,  323). 

15 


224 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Ferri  et  Ammonii  Sulphas. 


Ferri  et  Ammonii  Tartras. 

Oldberg  thinks  that  60  parts  of  tartaric  acid  require  280  parts  of 
solution  of  tersulphate  of  iron  (and  300  parts  would  be  better  still), 
supposing  the  correct  formula  to  be  2 (FeO)  NH4C4H406.5H20=566. 
— 130  parts  of  water  are  insufficient ; the  second  half  of  the  acid 
should  be  dissolved  in  150  parts  of  water  (D.  89,  83). 

Ferri  et  Potassii  Tartras. 

Sonbeiran  recommends  to  add  the  hydrated  oxide  gradually  to  the 
bitartrate  of  potassium  and  water,  heated  to  6o°C.,  instead  of  adding 
the  bitartrate  (T.  686). 

Roger  makes  it  from  hydrated  oxide  of  iron,  tartaric  acid  and  car- 
bonate of  potassium  (T.  687,  note). 

Ferri  et  Quininse  Citras. 

Oldberg  recommends  the  rapidly  soluble  salt  of  Ph.  Brit.  (D.  89,  83). 

Ferri  et  Strychninse  Citras. 


Ferri  Hypophosphis. 


Ferri  Iodidum  Saccharatum. 

The  product  should  be  a definite  amount.  Instead  of  80  parts  of 
milk  sugar,  add  first  70  parts,  and  then  sufficient  to  make  100  parts. 
With  21  parts  of  iodine,  the  product  would  contain  exactly  25  p.  c. 
of  ferrous  iodide.  Oldberg  (89,  83). 

Ferri  Lactas. 

Keep  in  well-stopped  bottles  (X.  II.,  21). 

Ferri  Oxalas. 


Ferri  Oxidum  Hydratum, 


Ferri  Oxidum  Hydratum  cum  Magnesia. 

Hirsch  recommends  to  use  the  light  calcined  magnesia  and  very 
cold  water  (X.  I.,  369). 

Ferri  Phosphas. 


Ferri  Pyrophosphas. 


Ferri  Sulphas. 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


225 


Ferri  Sulphas  Exsiccatus. 

“ Moderate  heat” — better  direct  a heat  of  40°  C.,  then  rub  the  salt 
to  a fine  powder,  and  heat  it  over  a water  bath  until  the  residue 
amounts  to  two-thirds  of  the  original  weight.  When  heated  to  1490 
C.,  the  product  is  nearly  always  discolored.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  83). 

Ferri  Sulphas  Prsecipitatus. 

Hirsch  doubts  whether  an  equal  volume  of  alcohol  is  sufficient 
(Z.  83,  285). 

“Drain  the  crystalline  powder,  which  has  settled.”  ...  It  would 
be  better  to  say:  “Drain  the  precipitate”.  . . . Oldberg  (D.  89,  84). 

Ferri  Valerianas. 


Ferrum. 

.Titration  of  ferric  salts  by  zinc  dust.  Carnegie  (A.  88,  291.  Jl. 
Ch.  Soc.  88,  468). 

Reduction  of  oxidized  ferric  solutions  by  freezing.  Eanguepin 
(A.  88,  61 1.  Rundschau,  Prag.  88,  844). 

Arsenic . Bergman  points  out  that  the  presence  of  arsenic  in  iron 
can  not  be  detected  by  the  process  of  Ph.  Germ.,  since  arsenide  of 
iron  is  insoluble  in  dilute  hydrochloric  acid,  and  the  arsenic  must 
therefore  be  looked  for  in  the  undissolved  residue  (B.  88,  111.  K. 
88,  No.  8). 

Test  of  identity.  Venable  proposes  a solution  of  cobalt  nitrate 
mixed  with  a little  hydrochloric  acid.  The  color  is  blue,  but  turns 
to  a decided  green  in  the  presence  of  mere  traces  of  a ferric  salt;  fer- 
rous salts  are  without  influence  on  the  blue  color,  and  do  not  prevent 
the  reaction  of  ferric  salts  (C.  88,  153,  fr.  Ch.  News). 

Test  for  ferric  salts.  Marguerite  Delacharlouny  points  out  that 
ferrocyanide  of  potassium  sometimes  indicates  iron  where  none  ex- 
ists. For  instance,  sulphuric  acid  alone  produces  a blue  precipi- 
tate. He  therefore  strongly  recommends  sulphocyanide  of  potas- 
sium (E.  88,  82.  O.  88,  449). 

Ferrum  Reductum. 

Test  for  purity.  Dissolve  5 Gm.  of  crystallized,  pure  sulphate  of 
copper  in  25  C.  c.  of  distilled  water,  add  1 Gm.  of  reduced  iron  and 
2 drops  of  diluted  sulphuric  acid,  and  allow  to  stand  for  one  hour, 
shaking  occasionally.  The  amount  of  reduced  copper  will  be  pro- 
portionate to  the  amount  of  metallic  iron  present.  Vulpius  (E.  88, 
106.  O.  88,  447.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl.). 

Preparation.  Barth  prepares  a perfectly  pure  iron  by  dissolving 
100  Gm.  of  crystallized  chloride  of  iron  in  500  C.  c.  of  water,  and 
precipitating,  while  hot,  with  400  C.  c.  of  ammonia  (0.960).  After 
thorough  washing,  the  oxide  is  dried,  and  reduced  in  the  usual  way 
by  a current  of  pure  hydrogen  (E.  88,  201.  Zeit.  Oester.  Ver.). 

Examination  of  commercial  samples  by  Creighton  (A.  87,  609.  O. 
88,  448). — By  McDavit  (A.  88,  136.  O.  88,  272). 


226 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Ficus. 


Foeniculum. 


Frangula. 

Microscopic  distinction  between  Frangula  and  Cascara  sagrada  by 
Schrenck  (T.  715.  B.  87,  61). 

Galbanum. 

Triturated  with  water,  it  readily  yields  a whitish  emulsion  (R.  509). 
About  two-thirds  of  it  are  soluble  in  alcohol  and  in  ether  (R.  509). 

Galla. 


Gaultheria. 

Constituents  by  Power  and  Werbke  (G.  88,  208). 

Gelsemium. 

Assay  with  Mayer’s  reagent.  Snow  (A.  88,  494). 

Gentiana. 

Occasionally  other  species,  besides  G.  lutea,  are  collected  and  sold 
in  place  of,  or  mixed  with  the  latter. 

According  to  Italie,  it  contains  no  tannin  (G.  88,  103.  T.  88,  31 1). 

Geranium. 


Glycerinum. 

Oldberg  defines  glycerin  to  be  a liquid  composed  of  95  p.  c.  of  gly- 
ceryl hydrate  (C3H5(OH)3)  and  5 p.  c.  of  water  (D.  89,  84). 

Table  of  p.  c.  and  sp.  gr.  by  Nicol  (T.  730.  O.  88,  504.  M.  88, 

55)- 

The  vapors  produced  on  heating  are  inflammable  (X.  II,  82). 

Estimation  in  fluid  extracts,  etc.  Comparison  of  Richards’  method 
of  separating  it  by  appropriate  solvents,  and  of  that  of  Benedikt  and 
Fox  by  oxidation  to  oxalic  acid.  Baumhardt  (M.  88,  10). 

Hehner  estimates  it  by  its  reducing  effect  on  bichromate  of  potas- 
sium (M.  88,  22). 

Glycerita. 

Remington  wants  several  of  the  glycerites  contained  in  U.  S.  Ph. 
1870,  restored  (U.  275). 


Glyceritum  Amyli. 

The  addition  of  a small  quantity  of  water  facilitates  the  process 
(R.  140)) 

1 part  of  starch,  1 of  water,  and  6 of  glycerin.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  84). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


227 


Glyceritum  Vitelli. 


Glycyrrhiza. 

A diagnostic  character  by  Rothrock,  see  (T.  738.  A.  84,  129). 
Microscopy,  Tschirsch  and  Holfert  (R.  88,  475). 

Glycyrrhizinum  Ammoniatum. 


Gossypii  Radicis  Cortex. 


Gossypium. 

‘ ‘ Insoluble  in  water,  alcohol  or  ether.  ’ ’ The  obvious  meaning  is 
that  neither  water,  alcohol  or  ether  should  extract  anything  from  it. 

‘ ‘ Immediately  ’ ’ sink  (in  water)  depends  on  whether  the  cotton 
thrown  in  is  a loose  state,  or  previously  compacted,  on  the  water 
(X.  II,  85). 

Granatum. 


Grindelia. 

Most  of  the  Grindelia  of  commerce  is  G.  squarrosa.  Rloyd  (R.  541). 
Analysis  by  Clark  (A.  88,  435). 

Analysis  by  Ribby  (M.  88,  11). 

Guaiaci  Lignum. 

“ Heavy” — “ heavier  than  water,”  would  be  more  descriptive. 

“ Resinous”  odor — ‘‘of  an  odor  recalling  that  of  benzoin,”  is  pro- 
bably more  correct. 


Guaiaci  Resina. 

When  fused  it  emits  a vanilla-like  odor  (R.  543). 

Since  guaiac  resin  is  insoluble  in  oil  of  turpentine,  an  admixture  of 
pine  resin  may  be  detected  by  this  solvent;  the  latter  being  partially 
soluble  therein.  (T.  650). 

Examination  of  commercial  resin  of  guaiac.  Rabenau  (A.  88, 
606). 

Guar  ana. 

Assay.  Exhaust  with  alcohol  of  25%,  filter  off  a fractional  part, 
and  evaporate  to  dryness,  adding  slaked  lime.  Extract  with  chloro- 
form and  evaporate.  Kremel  (A,  88,  244.  Ph.  Post.  88,  101). 

Guarana  in  its  native  home.  Rusby  (A.  88,  266). 

Gutta-Percha. 

Tasteless,  with  a peculiar,  but  faint  odor  (R.  545). 

Hsematoxylon. 

Siebold  thinks  that  only  the  unfermented  wood  should  be  employed 
(O.  88,  391.  Year-Book,  87,  548). 


228 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


The  infusion  is  colored  bluish-black  by  sulphate  of  iron  and  by 
chromate  of  potassium  (T.  757). 

Hamamelis. 

Examination  b3^  Cobb  (C.  88,  74). 

Hedeoma. 

Branches  “hairy”  (R.  550). 

Humulus. 

Hops  of  a reddish  color,  or  with  brown  spots,  ought  to  be  rejected. 
O11  the  examination  and  physical  properties  of  hops  see  Zetterlund 
(E.  87,  133). 

Hydrargyri  Chloridum  Corrosivum. 

Soluble  in  2 parts  of  boiling  water  (X.  II,  112). 

Beckurts  doubts  the  efficacy  of  the  test  for  arsenic,  because  the 
latter  mostly  exists  as  arsenate  of  mercury,  and  arsenates  in  alkaline 
solutions  are  not  reduced  by  hydrogen  to  arseniuretted  tydrogen  (X. 
II.  112). 

Hydrargyri  Chloridum  Mite. 

The  color  turns  decidedly  3’ellowish  on  triturating  with  strong 
pressure. 

Since  there  is  a marked  difference  in  the  action  of  the  three  com- 
mercial kinds  of  calomel,  one  of  these  ought  expressly  to  be  desig- 
nated. 

Hydrargyri  Cyanidum. 

Twelve  parts  of  bichloride  of  mercury  to  15  parts  of  potassium 
iodide  is  a better  proportion.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  84). 

Hydrargyri  Iodidum  Rubrum. 

Soluble  in  20  parts  of  boiling  alcohol ; the  alcoholic  solution  must 
be  of  neutral  reaction  (X.  II,  113). 

Hydrargyri  Iodidum  Viride. 

An  explanation  of  the  cause  of  the  green  and  yellow  color  is  given 
by  Stoman  (B.  88,  31.  Berichte,  87,  2818).  He  states  that  the  offi- 
cinal process  of  preparing  it  gives  an  impure  product,  and  that  the 
color  of  the  pure  mercurous  iodide  is  yellow. 

Soetje  makes  it  from  mercurous  nitrate  and  iodide  of  potassium. 
The  former  he  makes  from  10  parts  of  mercury,  5 of  nitric  acid  and 
4 of  water.  He  obtains  the  iodide  of  a yellow  color  (B.  88,  191.  O. 
88,  167). 

Hydrargyri  Oxidum  Flavum. 

Ph.  Germ,  requires  that  its  solution  (1  in  100)  in  diluted  nitric  acid 
should  not  become  more  than  faintly  opalescent  on  the  addition  of  so- 
lution of  nitrate  of  silver.  Fels  remarks  that,  if  tested  as  above, 
scarcely  less  than  2 p.  c.  of  chloride  will  be  indicated,  while,  by  dis- 
solving the  oxide  in  dilute  acetic  acid  (1  in  100)  as  little  as  1 p.  c.  is 
clearly  shown  (E.  88,  29.  O.  88,  459). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPCEIA. 


229 


The  filtered  solution  of  the  bichloride  ought  to  be  cooled,  before 
pouring  into  the  potassic  solution ; of  which  latter  about  10  parts  are 
the  best  proportion.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  84). 

Vulpius  finds,  on  comparison  of  the  formulas  of  the  U.  S.,  Austri- 
an and  German  Pharmacopoeias,  that  that  of  the  German  Pharma- 
copoeia yields  the  handsomest  product.  (O.  88,  459.  Zeit.  Oest., 
Ap.  88,  2). 

Hydrargyri  Oxidum  Rubrum. 

Keep  protected  from  light  (X.  II,  125), 

Hydrargyri  Subsulphas  Flavus. 


Hydrargyri  Sulphidum  Rubrum. 

“Brilliant,  dark  red,  crystalline  masses — ” in  this  form  it  is  not 
used  in  pharmacy.  The  description  should  be  : “a  fine,  scarlet  red 
powder”  (R.  578). 

Hydrargyrum. 

Test  of  identity.  A minute  quantity  of  any  of  the  salts  of  mercury, 
or  of  their  solutions,  placed  on  bright  copper,  and  a drop  of  a con- 
centrated solution  of  iodide  of  potassium  added,  gives  a silvery  stain 
(T.  793)- 

Hydrargyrum  Ammoniatum. 

“ Wash  the  precipitate  twice it  is  better  to  direct  it  to  be  washed 
until  nitrate  of  silver  ceases  to  give  a precipitate  in  the  presence  of 
nitric  acid  (Ph.  Brit). 

Examination  of  the  commercial  salt.  Williams  (A.  88,  279). 

Hydrargyrum  cum  Creta. 


Hydrastis. 

The  odor  is  “ strong”  (T.  799). 

Assay  with  Mayer’s  reagent.  Snow  (A.  88,  492  ; 494). — Kremel : 
Mix  the  powdered  root  with  hydrated  lime,  extract  with  pure 
ether,  shake  the  ether  with  dilute  hydrochloric  acid,  and  liberate  the 
alkaloid  by  soda  solution;  which  will  give  hydrastine.  Exhaust  the 
root  and  lime  mixture,  after  the  extraction  with  ether,  with  a mix- 
ture of  4 volumes  of  chloroform  and  1 of  alcohol;  this  gives  berberine 
(G.  88,  hi.  Ph.  Post.,  88,  149). 

Test  for  hydrastine.  Dissolve  in  water,  acidulated  with  sulphuric 
acid,  and  add  cautiously  a few  drops  of  a dilute  solution  of  perman- 
ganate of  potassium,  when  an  intensive  blue  color  will  appear. 
Kremel  (G.  88,  m,  Ph.  Post,  149). 

Hyoscyaminae  Sulphas. 

The  definition  might  take  account  of  the  recent  discover}",  that 
belladonna  contains  hyoscyamine,  from  which  atropine  is  produced 
during  the  process  of  extraction. 


230  DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 

Hyoscyamus. 

“Whitish”  midrib  (R.  581). 

Ichthyocolla. 

Examination  by  Beard  (A.  88,  607). 


Ignatia. 

Finely  wrinkled,  beset  with  yellowish  matted  hair,  which  is 
easily  rubbed  off  (X.  II,  1). 


Illicium. 

According  to  Hooker  and  Holmes,  star-anise  comes  from  Illicium 
verum,  Hooker  fil.  (B.  88,  193.  N.  88,  Aug.  . . .). 

Moistened  litmus  paper  is  strongly  reddened,  at  once,  by  the  fruit 
of  Illicium  religiosum  (X.  II,  61). 

Infusa. 

The  “caution”  is  proposed  to  read  as  follows:  “Whenever  an  infu- 
sion is  prescribed,  which  is  not  officinal,  the  physician  should  spe- 
cify its  strength  in  each  case”  (R.  599). 

Burnett  recommends  an  addition  of  chloroform  for  preventing  de- 
composition; about  1 to  250  (N.  88,  April,  854.  O.  88,  257). 

Xnfusum  Brayerae. 

From  the  injunction,  not  to  strain  the  infusion,  it  might  be  argued 
that  a better  menstruum  is  wanted  (T.  815). 

Infusum  Cinchonae. 


Infusum  Digitalis. 


Infusum  Pruni  Virginianae. 


Infusum  Sennae  Compositum. 

Rochelle  salt  would  be  an  improvement  over  Epsom  salt. 
(D.  89,  84). 


Inula. 


Oldberg 


Iodoformum. 

Neuss  cautions  against  using  an  iodoform  which  dissolves  in  ether 
with  a red  color.  Pure  iodoform  dissolves  with  a yellow  color,  which 
turns  red  only  after  10  minutes.  The  first  mentioned  iodoform  pos- 
sesses caustic  properties  (B.  88,  207.  K.  88,  . . .). 

The  odor  is  not  correctly  described  as  “saffron” -like  (X.  II,  144). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPCEIA. 


23 1 


Iodum. 

Standardizing  volumetric  solutions.  Kalmann  proposes  a method, 
based  upon  the  fact  that,  in  contact  with  a sulphite,  the  whole  of  the 
iodine  is  converted  into  hydriodic  acid,  which  is  then  titrated  with 
soda  solution.  See  (B.  88,  71.  O.  88,  425.  Zeit.  Analyt.  Ch.  87, 

727)- 

Ipecacuanha. 

Assay  with  Mayer’s  reagent.  Snow  (A.  88,  493). — Mix  the  root 
with  hydrated  lime,  and  exhaust  for  3 hours  in  a continuous  extrac- 
tion apparatus  with  ether,  perfectly  free  from  water  and  alcohol. 
Disti  off,  dissolve  the  residue  in  ^-normal  sulphuric  acid,  filter  and 
retitrate  with  ^-normal  ammonia.  Lignon  (I,.  87,  642). — Mix  the 
powdered  root  with  hydrated  lime,  and  exhaust  with  hot  chloro- 
form. Kremel  (G.  88,  hi.  Ph.  Post.  88,  151). 

Microscopy,  Tschirsch  and  Eiidtke  (I,.  88,  441). 

Examination  of  powdered  ipecacuanha  by  Pennington,  with  a total 
average  from  16  samples  of  only  1.26  p.  c.  of  emetine  (O.  88,  165). 

Iris. 


Jalapa. 

According  to  Squibb  there  was,  at  the  time  of  his  writing,  not  a 
single  bale  of  jalap  in  the  New  York  market  which  would  assay  12 
p.  c.  of  resin  (T.  846,  F.  1106). 

Juglans. 


Juniperus. 


Kamala. 

“ Brown  red”  and  “insoluble  in  water”  (R.  627). 

Is  “mobile”  a correct  term  to  apply  to  kamala?  Hirsch  (Un. 
Ph.  II,  39). 

Kino. 

The  solutions  have  an  acid  reaction,  and  give  a dirty-green  pre- 
cipitate with  ferric  salts  (R.  628). 

It  is  scarcely  soluble  in  cold  water,  but  almost  entirely  so  in  boil- 
ing water  (R.  628). 

Distinction  from  eucalyptus  kino,  which  gelatinizes  very  easily,  is 
wanted. 


Krameria. 

In  giving  the  thickness  of  the  bark,  would  it  not  be  more  practical 
to  give  the  relative  thickness,  compared  to  the  diameter  of  the  root, 
instead  of  giving  an  absolute  measure  ? The  taste  is  bitter,  very 
astringent,  slightly  sweetish  (T.  860). 


232 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Lactucarium. 


Adulteration  with  bread-crumbs  occurs. 
88,  512). 


Lappa. 


Kremel  (A.  88,  612.  K. 


Lavandula. 


Leptandra. 


Limonis  Cortex. 


Limonis  Succus. 

Assay  of  free  acid,  combined  acid,  and  real  citric  acid.  Eames  (C. 
88,  73.  O.  88,  279). 

Linimentum  Ammoniae. 

Ten  parts  of  oil  to  3 of  ammonia  is  a better  proportion.  Oldberg 
(D.  89,  84). 

Linimentum  Belladonnae. 


Linimentum  Calcis. 


Linimentum  Camphor  ae. 


Linimentum  Cantharidis 


Linimentum  Chloroformi. 


Linimentum  Plumbi. 


Linimentum  Saponis. 


Linimentum  Sinapis  Compositum. 


Linimentum  Terebinthinae. 


Linum. 

Ground  flaxsed  : a test  for  ground  mustard  is  suggested. 

Liquor  Acidi  Arseniosi. 

“In  small  pieces” — “powdered”  is  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  119). 
‘ ‘ Boil  the  arsenious  acid’  ’ . . . . It  is  better  to  say : ‘ ‘ Dissolve . . . . 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA.  233 

in  25  parts  of  boiling  water,  to  which  the  hydrochloric  acid  has  been 
added.”  Oldberg  (D.  89,  119). 

Liquor  Ammonii  Acetatis. 

The  sp.  gr.  of  1.022  is,,  according  to  Hirsch,  a little  too  high. 
(X.  II,  194). 

Owing  to  the  carbonic  acid  gas  present,  it  can  in  any  case  only  be 
approximate. 

It  should  possess  a slightly  acid  taste,  and  the  water  ought  to  be 
cold.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  119). 

Liquor  Arsenii  et  Hydrargyri  Iodidi. 


Liquor  Calcis. 

Hirsch  points  out  that  the  Pharmacopoeia  should  direct  the  mixture 
of  lime  and  water  to  be  shaken  occasionally  (X.  I,  387). 

Add  “ Hydratis”  to  title.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  119). — The  title  then 
would  have  to  be  ‘ ‘ Liquor  Calcii  Hydratis,  ’ ’ or  “ Liquor  Calcis  Hy- 
dratae.” 

Liquor  Ferri  Acetatis. 

Add  the  precipitate  to  the  glacial  acetic  acid  “ in  portions,”  and  in 
a glass-stopped  bottle.—”  Stir  till  the  oxide  is  dissolved” — For  “ox- 
ide” read  “ferric  hydrate.” — Filtration  is  useless. — Keep  in  a cool 
place.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  119). 

Hirsch  gives  the  following  very  practical  hint  for  expressing  a 
magma  to  a certain  definite  weight.  Weigh  the  precipitate  in  the 
strainer  before  expressing,  and  then  stop  the  expression  when  the 
excess  of  water  has  been  obtained  (Un.  Ph.  II,  95). 

Liquor  Ferri  Chloridi. 

Hirsch  does  not  approve  of  the  final  addition  of  hydrochloric  acid. 
(Un.  Ph.  II,  106). 

Examination  of  50  samples  by  Stuart  (D.  88,  202.  O.  88,  261). 

Since  the  molecular  weight  of  crystallized  ferric  chloride  is  540.4, 
the  liquor  should  contain  54  p.  c.  of  crystallized  (32.42  of  anhydrous) 
ferric  chloride.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  119). 

Liquor  Ferri  Citratis. 

Instead  of  adding  the  citric  acid  to  the  entire  quantity  of  ferric  hy- 
drate, etc. , Oldberg  recommends  to  dissolve  the  acid  in  water,  and 
to  add  the  ferric  hydrate  in  portions.  The  ferric  hydrate  should  pre- 
viously be  reduced  by  strong  pressure  to  three-fourths  of  the  pre- 
scribed weight  of  the  final  product  (D.  89,  119). 

Liquor  Ferri  et  Quininae  Citratis. 

The  officinal  formula  gives  a very  unstable  solution,  precipitating 
within  a few  days,  the  precipitate  containing  nearly  50  p.  c.  of  the 
quinine.  Squibb  (F.  1128.  0.88,262).  This  does  not  seem  to  have 
been  the  experience  of  others,  according  to  verbal  communications. 


234 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Liquor  Ferri  Nitratis. 


Liquor  Ferri  Subsulphatis. 

Keep  protected  from  light.  Hirsch  (Un.  Ph,  II,  112). 

Liquor  Ferri  Tersulphatis. 

According  to  Hirsch,  instead  of  15  parts  of  sulphuric  acid,  at  most 
14.687  parts  are  required,  and  instead  of  n parts  of  nitric  acid,  8.71 
parts  (Un.  Ph.,  II,  109).  He  admits,  that  the  excess  does  practically 
very  little  harm.* 

Keep  protected  from  light  (Un.  Ph.,  II,  111). 

It  should  contain  40  p.  c.  of  ferric  sulphate,  since  the  molecular 
weight  is  400.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  119). 

Liquor  Gutta-Perchse. 

If  by  “ liquor’  ’ is  understood  a solution  of  a solid  in  water,  than 
‘ ‘ liquor’  ’ gutta-perchae  is  a misnomer,  and  it  ought  to  be  put  under 
a separate  title  or  perhaps  under  “ collodium.”  Oldberg  (R.  654) 

Liquor  Hydrargyri  Nitratis. 


Liquor  Iodi  Compositus. 


Liquor  Magnesii  Citratis. 

The  Pharmacopoeia  directs  the  citric  acid  to  be  dissolved  in  water 
(pure  and  simple);  later  on  it  prescribes  the  bottle  to  be  filled  with 
water’,  previously  ‘ ‘ boiled  and  filtered.  ’ ’ It  would  be  better  to  direct 
from  the  start  the  water  to  be  so  treated,  and  still  better  to  direct  dis- 
tilled water.  Increase  the  quantity  of  bicarbonate  of  potassium  one- 
fourth.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  119). 

Liquor  Pepsini. 

This  preparation  is  a “mixture,”  and  not  a “liquor.”  Oldberg 
(D.  88,  1 19). 

Liquor  Plumbi  Subacetatis. 

The  oxide  of  lead  should  be  in  fine  powder.  Hirsch  (Un.  Ph.  II, 
140). 

The  Pharmacopoeia  ought  to  state  what  subacetate  of  lead  this 
preparation  contains.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  119). 

Liquor  Plumbi  Subacetatis  Dilutus. 


Liquor  Potassse. 

The  stoppers  should  be  coated  with  paraffin  (X.  II,  213). 

Add  “ Hydratis”  to  the  title.  [The  title  should  then  be  Liquor 
Potassii  Hydratis,  or  Liquor  Potassae  Hydratae.]  It  ought  to  con- 
tain 5.6  p.  c.  of  KOH,  since  the  molecular  weight  is  56.  Oldberg 
(D.  89,  1 19). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 

Liquor  Potassii  Arsenitis. 


235 


Liquor  Potassii  Citratis. 


Liquor  Sodae. 

The  stoppers  should  be  coated  with  paraffin  (X.  II,  217). 

Add  ‘ 4 Hydratis’  ’ to  the  title.  [The  title  should  then  be  Liquor 
Sodii  Hydratis,  or  Liquor  Sodae  Hydratse].  It  should  contain  4 or 
8 p.  c.  of  NaOH,  since  the  molecular  weight  is  40.  Oldberg  (D.  89, 
1 19). 

Liquor  Sodae  Chloratae. 


Liquor  Sodii  Arsenitis. 


Liquor  Sodii  Silicatis. 

The  stoppers  should  be  coated  with  paraffin.  Hirsch  (Un.  Ph., 
138).  One  C.c.  of  the  solution,  dissolved  in  10  C.c.  of  water  should 
not  effervesce  when  acidulated  with  hydrochloric  acid,  nor  should 
another  sample  be  affected  by  solution  of  hydrosulphuric  acid. 
(Pharm.  Ger.  Comm). 

Liquor  Zinci  Chloridi. 


Lithii  Benzoas. 

A “light”  white  powder  . . . (X.  II,  223). 

Lithii  Bromidum. 


Lithii  Carbonas. 


Lithii  Citras. 

The  aqueous  solution  becomes  turbid  by  boiling  with  lime-water, 
but  clear  again  on  cooling  (T.  933). 

In  the  ‘ 4 flame  ’ ’ test,  Hirsch  recommends  to  moisten  the  charred 
mass  with  hydrochloric  acid  before  exposing  to  the  flame  (Un.  Ph. 

n>  151). 

Lithii  Salicylas, 


Lobelia. 


Lupulinum. 


Lycopodium. 

“Floating”  upon  water — except  when  boiled  with  it,  when  it 
sinks  (X.  II,  225). 

It  also  floats  upon  bisulphide  of  carbon,  but  it  sinks  in  oil  of  tur- 
pentine. Ph.  Helvet. 


236 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Macis. 


Magnesia. 


Magnesia  Ponderosa. 

‘ * Corresponding  in  all  other  proportions’  ’ . . . , does  not  include 
the  water- gelatinizing  test  (R.  669). 

Magnesii  Carbonas. 

Magnesii  Citras  Granulatus. 

Magnesii  Sulphas. 

Test  for  arsenic  is  probably  necessary  (X.  II,  233). 

Magnesii  Sulphis. 

Magnolia. 

Maltum. 


Mangani  Oxidum  Nigrum. 

Test  for  coal  dust  and  organic  admixture  in  general  is  wanted. 

In  the  test  for  p.  c.  of  the  pure  binoxide,  the  Pharmacopoeia  directs 
an  insufficient  quantity  of  hydrochloric  acid;  instead  of  20  Gm.,  at 
least  26.30  Gm.  are  required.  Hirsch  (Un.  Ph.  II,  172). 

Mangani  Sulphas. 

Test  for  arsenic  is  wanted. 


Manna. 

Assay.  Dissolve  1 part  of  manna  in  1 part  of  water  on  a water- 
bath,  add  10  times  as  much  alcohol  of  95  p.  c.,  heat  to  boiling,  and 
fiiter  through  absorbent  cotton.  The  residue  after  evaporation  should 
amount  to  less  than  75  p.  c.  (L.  88,  898). 

Marrubium. 


Massa  Copaibse. 


Massa  Ferri  Carbonatis. 

Thompson  asserts  that  by  using  sodium  bicarbonate  and  a slightly 
different  manipulation,  a more  stable  mass  is  obtained.  See  (T.  961. 
A.  70,  30). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


237 


Massa  Hydrargyri. 

A test  for  strength  is  wanted. 

Bullock  gives  a formula  for  a powdered  mass  (T.  963.  A.  59,  271). 

Mastiche. 


Matico. 

An  examination  for  ‘ ‘ spent’  ’ leaves  is  needed ; the  essential  oil 
being  often  extracted.  (B.  88,  92). 

Matricaria. 


Mel. 

Eisner  states  that  every  honey  which  is  dextrogyre,  ought  to  be 
considered  impure  (K.  84,  227). 

The  honey  production  of  California  (A.  88,  126). 

The  specific  gravity  is  not  given. 

Is  the  sp.  gr.,  after  mixing  2 parts  of  water  (1.101  to  1.115)  not 
too  low  (X.  II,  238)? 

Hirsch  questions  the  correctness  of  the  ‘ ‘ clear’  ’ solution  in  4 parts 
of  water  (Un.  Ph.,  II,  180). 

Mel  Despumatum. 

Preparation.  Heat  the  honey  in  a tall,  cylindrical  vessel  on  a 
water-bath,  until  all  the  impurities  have  risen  to  the  top,  withdraw 
the  heat,  and  pour  carefully  cold  water  on  top  of  the  honey,  when 
the  impurities  will  float  on  the  water,  and  can  be  removed.  Close 
(T.  971.  I.  80,  60). — Becker  allows  a mixture  of  5 parts  of  honey,  3 
of  water  and  2 of  alcohol  to  stand  for  a few  days,  filters,  distils  off 
the  alcohol,  and  evaporates  the  residue  (A.  88,  399.  Ph.  Zeit.  88, 
318). 

Hirsch  gives  valuable  hints  for  skimming  (X.  II,  241). 

Mel  Rosse. 

Schaaf  heats  the  honey  on  a water-bath  with  infusion  of  roses,  until 
the  precipitate  coagulates,  filters  and  evaporates  (A.  88.  557.  Apoth. 
Zeit.  88,  680). 

Melissa. 


Menispermum. 


Mentha  Piperita. 

Distinction  between  M.  piperita  and  M.  viridis  based  on  the  pres- 
ence of  menthol  crystals  in  the  leaves  of  M.  piperita,  but  not  in  those 
of  M.  viridis.  Schrenck,  see  (B.  88,  101). 

Mentha  Viridis. 

“Aromatic  and  pungent;”  would  not  “odor  aromatic  and  taste 
pungent  ’ ’ be  more  in  conformity  with  the  descriptions  elsewhere  ? 


238 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Mezereum. 


Misturae. 

This  title  covers  a multitude  of  heterogenous  preparations.  Old- 
berg  (D.  89,  1 19). 

Mistura  Ammoniaci. 


Mistura  Amygdalae. 

Reynolds  recommends  to  prepare  a concentrated  emulsion  from  1 
ounce  each  of  almonds,  sugar  and  glycerin,  1 dram  gum  arabic  and 
2 ounces  of  water.  The  mixture  is  to  be  rubbed  to  a paste,  strained, 
and  the  strained  emulsion  evaporated  at  a temperature  not  exceeding 
150°  F.  to  a solid  extract  (T.  979,  note). 

Mistura  Asafcetidae. 

Ackerman  proposes  a concentrated  emulsion,  by  using  as  men- 
struum water  containing  25  p.  c.  of  diluted  acetic  acid  (T.  979). 

Mistura  Chloroformi. 


Mistura  Cretae. 


Mistura  Ferri  Composita. 

Staples  proposes  a concentrated  emulsion  of  myrrh  and  carbonate 
of  potassium  of  eight  times  the  strength  of  the  officinal  mixture,  and 
a concentrated  syrup  of  sulphate  of  iron,  15  minims  of  which  equal 
one  fl. ounce  of  the  mixture  (T.  582). 

Mistura  Ferri  et  Ammonii  Acetatis. 

“ Tiquor  ” would  be  a more  correct  title  (T.  982). 

Mistura  Glycyrrhizae  Composita. 


Mistura  Magnesiae  et  Asafcetidae. 


Mistura  Potassii  Citratis. 


Mistura  Rhei  et  Sodae. 


Morphina. 

Hesse  finds  that  the  U.  S.  Ph.  formula  (Ci7H19N70.H20)  is  the 
correct  one  (A.  88,  566.  N.  88,  Aug.,  148). 

Test  of  identity.  Armitage  calls  attention  to  the  well-known  re- 
action with  ferridcyanide  of  potassium  and  ferric  chloride,  as  the 
most  sensitive  yet  discovered  (G.  88,  92.  B.  88,  70.  O.  88,  542.  N. 
88,  924).  See  also  Hinsdale  for  the  same  test  (B.  88,.  121). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


239 

Solubility.  Allen  throws  doubt  on  Dieterich’s  statement,  about 
the  solubility  of  morphine  in  several  liquids  (B.  88,  195). 

Morphinae  Acetas. 


Morphinae  Hydro chloras. 

Changes  produced  in  old  solutions  of  the  salt.  The  results  seem 
to  indicate,  that  either  the  crystallized  alkaloid  morphine  has  been 
produced  in  a somewhat  modified  form,  or  that  a new  decomposition 
product  of  an  alkaloidal  nature  has  been  formed.  Eccles  (B.  88,  151). 

Test  for  purity.  Ammonia  produces  in  an  aqueous  solution  a 
precipitate  which  is  soluble  in  an  excess  (absence  of  narcotine). 
Ether  must  not  take  up  any  appreciable  amount  of  an  alkaloid  from 
the  ammonia  solution  (absence  of  codeine).  (Beckurts,  K.  84,  53). 

Morphinae  Sulphas. 

Solubility.  Allen  throws  doubt  on  Dieterich’s  statement  about  the 
solubility  of  the  sulphate  in  several  liquids,  especially  in  ether,  in 
which,  according  to  Dieterich,  it  is  “very”  soluble,  while  according 
to  Allen  1 part  requires  82,000  parts  of  this  solvent  (B.  88,  195). 

Spenzer  has  found  free  acid  and  calcium  sulphate  (M.  87,  249.  O. 
88,  544'. 

Moschus. 

Of  a peculiar,  penetrating  and  persistent,  ‘ ‘ but  not  ammoniacal  ’ ’ 
odor  (X.  II,  253). 

Ether  is  also  a good  solvent  (T.  998). 

Would  it  not  be  advisable  expressly  to  state  that  the  so-called 
“Canton  musk”  is  to  be  rejected,  being  always  an  adulterated 
article? 

Mucilago  Acaciae. 

“ Water”  ought  to  be  “ distilled  water.” 

Ringler  replaces  water  with  a mixture  of  equal  parts  of  glycerin 
and  water,  proving  its  superiority  (A.  88,  9.  O.  88,  267). 

Draper  recommends  the  addition  of  1 grain  of  benzoic  acid  to  each 
fl.  ounce  of  mucilage  (D.  88,  242). 

A “mucilage  of  dextrin”  might  be  added  (B.  88,  19). 

Mucilago  Cydonii. 

Hirsch  recommends  to  shake  vigorously  for  5 minutes,  and  then  to 
strain  (X.  II,  254). 

Why  does  the  Pharmacopoeia  direct  ‘ ‘ distilled’  ’ water  for  quince 
seed  mucilage,  and  not  for  the  other  mucilages? 

Mucilago  Sassafras  Medullae. 


Mucilago  Tragacanthae. 


16 


240 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Mucilago  Ulmi. 


Myristica. 


Myrrha. 

If  powdered  myrrh,  rubbed  with  an  equal  weight  of  chloride  of 
ammonium  for  15  minutes,  dissolves  entirely  in  15  times  its  weight 
of  water,  it  may  be  considered  pure.  Righini  (T.  1006). 

Nux  Vomica. 

Assay  with  Mayer’s  reagent.  Snow  (A.  88,  492;  496). 

Removal  of  the  oil  by  various  solvents.  Simonson  (B.  88,  122). 

Oleata. 


Oleatum  Hydrargyri. 

The  temperature  of  74 0 C.  is  too  high  ; not  above  40°  C.  is  better. 
A better  preparation  is  obtained  by  double  decomposition  between 
oleate  of  potassium  and  mercuric  nitrate  (R.  574)* 

This  oleate  does  not  keep  well.  40°  C.  is  better.  2 parts  of  oxide 
to  8 parts  of  acid  is  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  119). 

Oleatum  Veratrinae. 


Oleoresina  Aspidii. 


Oleoresina  Capsici. 


Oleoresina  Cubebae. 

There  seems  to  be  an  unnecessary  expenditure  of  ether,  since  the 
cubebs  are  exhausted  long  before  all  the  ether  has  percolated  (T. 
1029). 

Oleoresina  Lupulini. 


Oleoresina  Piperis. 


Oleoresina  Zingiberis. 


Olea  Volatilia. 

Test  for  alcohol  by  shaking  with  glycerin  of  sp.  gr.  1.2 15.  Hager 
(A.  88,  613.  Ph.  Zeit.  88,  650). 

Concentrated  essential  oils,  a resume  by  Schweissinger  (G.  88,  190. 
K.  88,  304). 

Yield:  Schimmel  and  Co.’s  table  is  also  to  be  found  in  (B.  88,  4. 
O.  88,  474). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPCEIA. 


241 

Specific  Gravity . Some  pertinent  remarks  by  Rice.  See  (B.  88, 
I58)- 

Test  for  Chloroform.  Mix  15  drops  of  the  oil  with  1 Gm.  of  90  p. 
c.  alcohol  and  40  drops  of  diluted  sulphuric  acid,  add  a few  pieces  of 
zinc,  and  allow  to  stand  in  a warm  place  until  all  evolution  of  gas 
has  ceased.  Shake  with  an  equal  bulk  of  water,  filter,  acidulate  with 
nitric  acid,  and  test  with  nitrate  of  silver  solution  (E.  88,  130.  Russ. 
Pharm.). 

Olea  Pinguia. 

Allen’s  classification  scheme.  See  (T.  1013). 

Schweissinger  gives  a resume  of  the  latest  methods  of  examination 
of  the  fixed  oils:  the  estimation  of  the  free  acids;  the  saponification 
number;  Hehner’s  number;  Reichert’s  number,  and  Hiibl’s  iodine 
number.  See  (G.  88,  114.  K.  88,  9). 

Resume  of  the  various  tests  (88),  hitherto  proposed.  Peters  (E. 
88,  857;  905). 

Polarized  light.  Bishop  shows  that  the  difference  in  the  behavior 
of  the  fixed  oils  towards  polarized  light  is  sufficiently  marked  to  be 
of  some  practical  use  (E.  88,  8.  O.  88,  508.  Zeit.  Oest.,  Ap),  and 
Peters  (M.  88,  94.  Union  Ph.). 

Oleum  Adipis. 


Oleum  .flSthereum. 

Maisch  states  that  ethereal  oil  in  contact  with  water  decomposes 
very  easily,  hence  the  necessity  for  washing  it  rapidly.  (T.  1032, 
note.  A.  65,  160). 

Oleum  Amygdalae  Amarae. 


Oleum  Amygdalae  Expressum. 

Tests.  Equal  volumes  of  the  oil  and  of  nitric  acid  of  25  p.  c.  are 
shaken  in  a test  tube,  yielding  a white  mixture;  while  with  the  oils 
of  peach  kernel  and  apricot  .seed  the  color  is  yellow,  turning  reddish. 
Hager  (T.  1036.  A.  70,  408.  O.  71,  152). 

Similar  color  reactions  with  a mixture  of  sulphuric  and  fuming 
nitric  acids  are  described  by  Bieber  (T.  1036.  O.  78,  499). 

Oleum  Anisi. 


Oleum  Aurantii  Corticis. 

Remington  shakes  the  oil  briskly  with  one-eighth  of  its  volume  of 
distilled  water,  and  after  separation,  filters  rapidly,  and  mixes  with 
7 volumes  of  alcohol  (T.  1039). 

Oleum  Aurantii  Florum. 

Oleum  Bergamii. 

Soluble  in  all  proportions  in  solutions  of  soda  and  of  potassa  (X. 
II,  300). 


242 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Oleum  Cajuputi. 

Examination  of  14  samples  of  commercial  oil  by  West,  who  found 
the  color  varying  from  “pale  bluish  green  to  full  bluish  green;”  the 
sp.  gr.  from  0.9226  to  0.9240;  the  boiling  point  from  1740  to  174. 5°C. 
Copper  was  found  in  every  sample  (A.  88,  536.  N.  88,  Septbr.  186; 
235)* 

Oleum  Cari. 


Oleum  Caryophylli. 

About  its  solubility  in  alcohol,  ether,  etc.,  see  Behringer  (A,  88, 
443)- 

A drop  of  the  oil,  spread  on  the  sides,  of  a bottle,  is  colored  blue 
or  violet  by  vapor  of  bromine.  Ph.  Germ. 

Oleum  Chenopodii. 


Oleum  Cinnamomi. 

Oil  of  cloves  is  detected  by  the  alcoholic  solution  acquiring  a blue 
color  on  shaking  with  ferrous  chloride.  Ulex  (T.  1047). 

Two  distinct  titles.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  120). 

Oleum  Copaibae. 


Oleum  Coriandri, 


Oleum  Cubebae. 

Hirsch  questions  its  solubility  in  an  equal  weight  of  alcohol  (Un. 
Ph.  II,  302). 

Oleum  Erigerontis. 


Oleum  Eucalypti. 

On  the  different  oils  of  Eucalyptus  : Schimmel  & Co.  (B.  88,  91). 

Distinction  between  the  oils  of  E.  globulus  and  E.  amygdalina. 
Mix  1 C.c.  of  the  oil  with  2 C.c.  of  glacial  acetic  acid,  add  1 or  2 C.c. 
of  a saturated  solution  of  nitrite  of  sodium,  and  stir  slightly.  The 
top-layer  of  the  oil  of  E.  amygdalina  will  congeal  to  a crystalline 
mass,  but  neither  that  from  the  oil  of  E.  globulus,  nor  from  Eucaly- 
ptol.  The  sp.  gr.  of  the  globulus  oil  is  never  below  0.900,  while  the 
amygdalina  oil  is  seldom  more  than  0.890  (B.  88,  214.  S.  88,  Oct. 
481). 


Oleum  Fceniculi. 


Oleum  Gaultherise. 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


243 


Oleum  Gossypii  Seminis. 

Labiche  improves  upon  Bradford’s  subacetate  of  lead  test,  by  add- 
ing ammonia  (A.  88,  13.  B.  88,  85.  O.  88,  512). 

Test  of  identity,  see  Oleum  Olivae  and  Adipis. 

Manufacture.  Thornton  (B.  88,  194).  Thomas  (O.  88,  510). 


Oleum  Hedeomse. 


Analysis  by  Franz  (A.  88,  161.  O.  88,  479);  criticised  by  Kremers 
(G.  88,  103). 


Oleum  Juniperi. 


Oleum  Lavandulae. 

Ought  to  be  dropped,  and  the  Pharmacopoeia  should  recognize 
only  -the  best  oil,  which  is  the  next  following  (T.  1054). 

Oleum  Lavandulae  Florum. 


Oleum  Limonis. 

Cobb  preserves  the  oil  by  shaking  it  with  a little  boiling  water, 
and,  after  separation,  decanting  the  oil  (T.  1056). 

Oleum  Lini. 

Cod  liver  oil  is  detected  by  shaking  10  parts  of  the  suspected  oil 
with  3 parts  of  crude  nitric  acid,  when  the  oily  layer  on  top  assumes 
a dark-brown  color,  and  the  acid  is  colored  dark-yellow  to  orange. 
Pure  oil  turns  sea-green  to  greenish-yellow,  and  the  acid  bright- 
yellow  (T.  1057). 

Oleum  Menthae  Piperitae. 

If  any  oil  of  peppermint  rotates  polarized  light  feebly  to  the  left, 
makes  a turbid  mixture  with  its  own  volume  of  85  p.  c.  alcohol,  and 
acquires  an  orange-red  tint  with  caustic  potassa,  it  may  safely  be 
rejected  (T.  1058.  I.  82,  18). 

Distillation  in  Michigan.  Todd  (A.  88,  328). 

From  fresh  and  from  dried  leaves,  Todd  (B.  88,  121). 

Test  for  oil  of  camphor.  Add  1 drop  of  the  oil  to  1 drachm  of 
nitric  acid  (1.420);  if  pure,  the  color  will  be  yellow;  otherwise  red 
within  15  to  20  minutes:  Stevens,  who  also  recognizes  the  value  of 
the  polariscope  and  of  the  iodine  discoloration  test  (B.  88,  192.  O. 
88,  97). 

Oleum  Morrhuse. 

Salkowski  found,  on  examining  the  cause  of  the  well-known  color 
reaction  with  sulphuric  acid,  that  it  was  not  due  to  biliary  matter 
per  se,  but  to  cholesterin,  which  is  also  found  in  most  vegetable  oils. 
Since  the  cholesterin  of  cod-liver  oil  melts  at  146°  C.,  while  that  from 
any  other  oil  has  a lower  melting  point,  Salkowski  bases  a test  there- 
on. See  (B.  88,  6.  Zeit.  Analyt.  Ch.,  87,  557). 

In  the  officinal  test  involving  the  use  of  carbon  disulphide,  it  is 
preferable  to  substitute  chloroform  for  the  latter. 

Percentage  of  acid.  Heyerdahl  (A.  88,  613.  Ch.  Zeit.  88,  1475). 


244 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Oleum  Myrcise. 

‘ ‘ Soluble  in  an  equal  weight  of  alcohol’  ’ is  at  variance  with  facts, 
as  shown  by  Beringer  (A.  88,  441),  who  also  tests  for  oils  of  pimenta 
and  cloves  by  resinifying  the  oil  with  sulphuric  acid,  and  treating 
the  resin  with  hot  alcohol  (A.  88,  244). 

Oleum  Myristicse. 


Oleum  Olivse. 

Test  for  cotton  seed  oil.  Codina  L,anglin  mixes  3 Gm.  of  the  oil 
with  1 Gm.  of  a mixture  of  3 parts  of  nitric  acid  (40°  B.),  and  1 part 
of  water,  and  heats  on  a water  bath.  If  pure,  the  oil  assumes  a yel- 
low color,  with  cotton-seed  oil  it  turns  red  (T.  1069).  See  also  un- 
der “ Adeps”  and  “Oleum  Gossypii.” — Milliau  improves  upon  Bec- 
chi’s  nitrate  of  silver  test  by  first  separating  the  fatty  acids,  and  ap- 
plying the  test  to  them.  For  the  same  oil  he  improves  Baudouin’s 
sugar  and  hydrochloric  acid  test  in  the  same  way,  by  first  separating 
the  fatty  acids  (A.  88,  290.  B.  88,  70.  O.  88,  513.  F.  88,  16 1). 

Table,  showing  the  solubilities  of  alkaloids  in  the  oil,  by  Petten- 
kofer  (T.  1069,  note). 

Changes  effected  by  sunlight.  See  (A.  72,  300.  O.  73,  217). 

Culture  of  olives  and  manufacture  of  the  oil  in  California.  Bell 
(A.  88,  124). 

Purification  by  being  boiled  with  water  for  a couple  of  hours.  Sei- 
del (B.  88,  145). 


Oleum  Phosphoratum. 


Oleum  Picis  Liquidse. 


Oleum  Pimentse. 

Solubility  in  alcohol  and  in  ether.  Beringer  (A.  88,  443). 

Oleum  Ricini. 

Test  for  purity.  After  criticising  the  tests  of  the  U.  S.,  British  and 
German  Pharmacopoeias,  Klie  arrives  at  the  result  that  alcohol  of  sp. 
gr.  0.837,  mixed  with  I of  its  volume  of  castor  oil,  at  a temperature 
of  between  20  and  30°  C.,  shows  2 p.  c.  admixture  of  other  oils  (G. 
88,  159.  Miss.  State  Ph.  Association). 

Oleum  Rosse. 

Yield  about  fV  of  onep.c.  Bonkowski  (A.  88,  347). 

Stearopten.  It  appears  that  the  oil  from  white  rose  contains  more 
stearopten  than  that  from  red  rose,  which  latter,  however,  yields  a 
more  fragrant  oil  (B.  88,  212). 


Oleum  Rosmarini. 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


245 


Oleum  Rutae. 

Oleum  Sabinae. 

Oleum  Santali. 

MacEwan  states  that  the  sp.  gr.  should  be  at  least  0.970  to  0.990 
(A.  88,  182.  N.  88,  Feb’y  667). — Schimmel  & Co.  find  it  to  range 
from  0.970  to  0.975  (B.  88,  92). — See  also  (S.  89,  April  10). 

Oleum  Sassafras. 

Oleum  Sesami. 

Oleum  Sinapis  Volatile. 

Bisulphide  of  carbon  is  a regular  constituent  of  the  oil,  Birken- 
wald  (A.  88,  557.  Schw.  Woch.  88,  277). 

Oleum  Succini. 

Oleum  Terebinthinae. 

Oleum  Theobromae. 

Graf  finds,  as  the  result  of  numerous  experiments,  that  the  melting 
point  of  cacao  butter  is  34. 30  C.,  and  that  the  different  results  arrived 
at  by  other  observers  is  largely  due  to  the  different  methods  followed 
in  the  examination  (E-  88,  883). 

Oleum  Thymi. 

Oleum  Tiglii. 

Maisch’s  “eruption”  test,  see  (T.  1096.  A.  60,  307). 

Oleum  Valerianae. 


Opii  Pul  vis. 

Powdered  opium  should  not  lose  over  4 per  cent,  in  drying  at  ioo° 
C.  (2120  F.).  Squibb  (F.  1152). 

The  morphine  strength  of  opium,  powdered  opium  and  tincture  of 
opium  should  bear  a simple  relation  to  each  other.  Oldberg  (D.  89, 
120). 

Opium. 

Constituents  and  their  proportionate  quantities.  Smith  (T.  1106, 
note.  N.  65,  Oct.,  183). 

Yield  of  Extract.  The  words  of  the  U.  S.  P. : “ On  exhausting  100 
parts  of  opium,  previously  dried,  ....  an  extract  is  obtained, 


246 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


which  should  weigh  between  55  and  60  parts,”  are  misleading,  inas- 
much as  they  imply  that  100  parts  of  crude  opium,  after  being  suita- 
bly dried,  will  yield  55  to  60  parts  of  extract.  But  this  amount  of 
■extract  is  not  yielded  by  crude  opium.  It  is  the  average  yield  from 
100  parts  of  dried  opium. 

Assay.  Geissler  reduces  the  3 Gm.  of  lime  to  1.5  Gm.;  the  3 
Gm.  of  chloride  of  ammonium  to  0.8  Gm,,  and  the  5 C.c.  of  alcohol 
to  3 C.c.  (A.  88,  529.  O.  88,  149). 

Kndemann  criticizes  Stillwell’s  process,  proving  that  by  using  the 
commercial  washed  ether,  Stillwell  obtains  from  1 to  2 p.  c.  less  of 
morphine  than  Endemann  himself,  who  follows  Squibb’ s process,  and 
uses  perfectly  pure  ether  (G.  88,  181). 

Teschemacher  and  Smith’s  process  see  also  (B.  88,  96). 

Williams’  process  see  also  (B.  88,  96). 

DrESCHER  mentions  in  detail  and  criticises  the  methods  of  Dieterich, 
Kremel,  Teschemacher  and  Smith,  and  Williams.  He  finds  that  a 
previous  treatment  of  the  opium  with  benzin  greatly  facilitates  the 
subsequent  extraction  with  water.  He  thinks  that  the  pharmaco- 
pceial  process  might  be  improved  by  weighing  the  morphine  in  a 
flask,  instead  of  on  a filter ; the  alcohol  might  advantageously  be  re- 
placed by  benzin.  The  results  are,  however,  too  low,  as  also  those 
by  following  Kremel’s  process  (E.  88,  149). 

Opium  assay  at  the  custom  house  (E.  88,  150). 

Davis.  In  the  U.  S.  laboratory  of  New  York  (E.  88,  172). 

Cornwall’s  modification  of  Dieterich’ s method  of  assay,  differing 
chiefly  in  thoroughly  exhausting  the  opium,  and  then  using  the 
whole  of  the  liquid,  as  recommended  by  Squibb,  instead  of  only  a 
fractional  part.  See  (B.  88,  104). 

Eyons  and  Thompson  show  the  errors  of  Wrampelmeier  and  Mei- 
nert’s  process  of  assay  (M.  88,  9). 

Dieterich  does  not  think  that  Cornwall’s  chief  objection  to  his 
method  (as  giving  too  low  results  when  applied  to  opium,  see  Part  I, 
p.  122)  is  sustained  by  facts,  nor  does  he  value  Cornwall’s  modifica- 
tion of  his  method  very  highly  — being  neither  ‘ ‘ more  convenient’  ’ 
of  application,  nor  giving  as  high  result  as  Dieterich’s  original 
method.  The  result  of  five  comparative  trials  gave  17.12 — 17.12 — 
17.25  — 17.15  — 16.95  respectively,  following  Dieterich’s  method, 
while  Cornwall’s  gave  only  16.62 — 16.57 — 16-37 — 16.37 — 16.62  p.  c. 
of  morphine.  Dieterich  also  objects  to  the  evaporation  (made  neces- 
sary by  the  “exhaustion”  of  the  opium),  because  it  is  responsible 
for  the  low  result  and  for  the  much  darker  color  of  the  morphine. 
He  asserts  — contrary  to  Squibb,  Stillwell  and  Cornwall  — that  a 
fractional  part  of  the  opium  extraction  really  does  contain  all  of  its 
proportional  part  of  morphine.  Helfenb.  Annal.,  88,  106). 

Squibb  agrees  with  Dieterich  in  some  respects  and  differs  from 
him  in  others  (referring  to  D.’s  paper  in  “ Helfenberger  Annalen, 
1887,  36-79.  See  Part  I,  p.  122,  or  B.  87,  143).  He  has  from  time 
•to  time  adopted  certain  improvements,  and  has  published  his  new 
method  in  detail  (in  F.  1 150-1161).  The  following  represents  an 
abstract  of  the  process  : 

Opium  in  any  condition  to  be  valued,  10  Gm.;  alcohol  of  not  less 
than  91%,  or  not  below  sp.  gr.  0.815;  ether  of  not  less  than  93%,  or 
not  below  sp.  gr.  0.725;  water  of  ammonia,  sp.  gr.  0.960;  lime  water, 
water — of  each,  a sufficient  quantity. 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


247 


Introduce  the  opium  into  a flask  of  100  C.c.  capacity,  and  add  to 
it  100  C.c.  of  water.  If  the  opium  was  in  lump,  reduce  it  previously 
to  small  thin  siices,  and  macerate  it  for  twelve  hours,  occasionally 
well  shaking  it.  If  it  was  in  powder,  macerate  it  for  two  hours,  agi- 
tating from  time  to  time.  Pour  the  opium  mixture  in  the  centre  of 
a well-wetted,  tared  and  strong  filter  of  12  Cm.  (4.8  inch)  diameter, 
receive  the  filtrate  in  a beaker  marked  at  150  C.c.,  and  wash  the  flask 
and  residue  with  enough  water  to  obtain  this  volume.  Then  care- 
fully return  the  residue  to  the  flask,  add  50  C.c.  of  water,  shake  well 
for  five  minutes,  and  return  the  mixture  to  the  filter.  Receive  the 
new  filtrate  in  another  beaker,  marked  at  150°  C.c.,  and  wash  the 
flask,  residue  and  filter  with  water  to  obtain  this  amount.  Evapo- 
rate the  second  weaker  solution,  in  a tared  capsule  of  250  C.c.  capa- 
city, on  a water-bath,  to  about  10  C.c.  Then  add  the  stronger  solu- 
tion, and  continue  the  evaporation  to  14  Gm.  Transfer  the  residuary 
liquor,  after  dissolving  all  crusts  or  rings  upon  the  capsule  by  rotat- 
ing the  liquid  about,  to  a tared  Erlenmeyer  flask  of  100  C.c.  capachy. 
Rinse  the  capsule  with  three  portions  of  2 C.c.  each  of  water,  and 
lastly,  add  enough  water,  if  necessary,  to  make  the  solution  in  the 
flask  weigh  20  Gm.  To  this  add  10  Gm.  [12.3  C.c.]  of  the  alcohol 
above  directed,  and  shake  well.  Next  add  17.5  Gm.  (or  25  C.c.)  of 
the  ether  and  shake  again.  Now  add  3.5  Gm.  (or  3.5  C.c.)  of  water 
of  ammonia,  stopper  the  flask  and  shake  vigorously  for  ten  minutes. 
Then  set  it  aside  for  at  least  six  hours.  Pour  off  the  ethereal  layer 
as  closely  as  possible,  add  20  C.c.  of  fresh  ether,  and  swing  the  flask 
gently  about  with  a rotating  motion.  Pour  off  the  ethereal  layer  and 
repeat  the  washing  with  another  20  C.c.  of  ether.  Having  placed 
two  counter-balanced  filters,  of  9 Cm.  (3.6  in.)  diameter,  one  within 
the  other,  into  a funnel,  wet  them  well  with  Ihe  ether,  and  transfer 
upon  the  inner  one  the  ethereal  layer  as  closely  as  practicable;  next 
pour  in  the  aqueous  layer,  holding  in  suspension  as  much  of  the  crys- 
tallized morphine  as  possible.  Remove  the  last  crystals  from  the 
flask  by  rinsing  with  several  portions  of  water,  about  3 C.c.  at  a time. 
When  all  the  crystals  are  on  the  filter,  allow  water  to  fall,  drop  by 
drop,  from  a pipette  held  about  4 inches  over  the  funnel,  upon  the 
edges  of  the  filters  and  the  crystals,  until  the  latter  look  fairly  clean, 
but  so  that  the  filtrate  and  washings  do  not  exceed  50  C.c.  Then 
displace  the  water  from  the  filters  and  crystals  by  dropping  upon 
them  5 C.c.  of  a saturated  solution  of  morphine  in  alcohol  (of  the 
before  prescribed  percentage),  and  before  the  alcohol  has  time  to  evap- 
orate, follow  it,  in  the  same  manner,  with  5 C.c.  more  of  the  ether. 
When  this  has  drained  off,  close  the  filters  upon  the  oystals,  and 
press  them  between  bibulous  paper,  under  weights,  for  half  an  hour. 
Then  open  the  filters,  spread  the  morphine  over  the  inner  one,  and 
dry  both  at  6o°  C.  (140°  F.)  to  a constant  weight,  which  is  to  be 
noted. 

Transfer  0.5  Gm.  of  the  dry  crystals  to  a graduated  cylinder,  add 
50  C.  c.  of  lime  water,  and  tilt  the  cylinder  to  and  fro,  without  shaking, 
so  as  to  avoid  frothing.  If  the  morphine  was  fairly  pure  (free  from 
narcotine,  etc.,)  it  will  be  entirely  and  quickly  dissolved.  In  this 
case,  the  weight  of  the  dried  morphine  obtained,  multiplied  by  10, 
will  indicate  the  percentage  of  hydrated  morphine  (CnHI9N03.H20; 
mol.  w.  303)  in  the  opium. 

If  the  lime  water  did  not  dissolve  the  whole  of  the  morphine,  filter 


248 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


the  liquid  through  two  counterbalanced  filters  of  7 Cm,  (2.8  inch) 
diameter,  placed  one  within  the  other,  wash  the  filters  first  with  5 C.c. 
of  lime  water,  then  with  5 C.c.  of  water,  close  the  filters,  press  them 
between  bibulous  paper,  dry  them  at  ioo°  C.  (2120  F.)  and  weigh 
one  against  the  other.  Deduct  the  weight  of  the  dry  residue  from 
that  of  the  crude  morphine  first  obtained,  and  multiply  the  remain- 
der with  10  as  in  the  previous  case. 

Opium  Denar cotisatum. 


Origanum. 


Pareira. 

No  distinct  central  pith  (R.  751). 

Pepo. 


Pepsinum  Saccharatum. 

Assay  needs  thorough  revision.  See  Oldberg  (D.  89,  120). 

Since  the  digestion  is  generally  finished  in  2 to  3 hours,  it  would 
be  of  more  importance  to  know  what  a pepsin  could  accomplish  in 
that  time,  than  in  6 hours.  One  grain  of  so-called  pure  pepsin 
.should  dissolve  300  grains  of  finely  divided,  hard-boiled  egg  albu- 
men, suspended  in  2 fluid  ounces  of  water  of  38  to  40°  C.  and  30 
grains  of  hydrochloric  acid,  within  3 hours  (R.  755). — Harris  advo- 
cates the  admission  of  a pepsin  digesting  at  least  900  times  its  weight 
of  coagulated  albumen  in  5 or  6 hours  at  105°  F.  (A.  88,  379.  O.  88, 

596). 

Percy-Smith  prefers  dry,  powdered  albumen  (A.  88,  464). 

Stebbins,  Jr.,  criticises  the  process  of  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  Bidder  and 
Schmidt,  Mainwaring  and  Kremel,  which  latter  he  considers  the  best 
(A.  88,  466.  B.  88,  164). 

In  an  article  on  comparative  pepsin  testing,  Thompson  makes  the 
following  remarks : 

“The  usual  way  of  testing  different  brands,  where  a certain  amount 
of  albumen  is  digested  totally  by  one  brand  while  the  others  digest 
only  a quarter  or  smaller  fraction,  is  fallacious,  because  the  conditions 
are  not  the  same”  (O.  88,  143).  He  thinks  that  the  only  proper  way 
is  to  take  sufficient  of  each  pepsin  to  completely  digest  the  same 
amount  of  albumen  under  exactly  the  same  conditions.  He  further 
suggests  to  reduce  the  hydrochloric  acid  from  0.47  to  0.30  p.  c. ; to 
pass  the  albumen  through  a No.  30  sieve;  to  digest  with  constant 
stirring  for  6 hours  at  104°  F.  (A.  88,*529.  O.  88,  142). 

Parker  formulates  the  requirements  necessary,  in  order  to  obtain 
thoroughly  trustworthy  results,  as  follows:  1.  The  eggs  must  be 
fresh;  2.  The  time  of  boiling  them  must  be  definite;  3.  The  albumen 
must  be  rubbed  through  a sieve  of  a definite  number  of  meshes  to  the 
inch;  4.  The  amount  of  acidulated  water  must  be  ample;  5.  The  p. 
c.  of  hydrochloric  acid  must  not  be  stronger  than  that  of  the  gastric 
juice;  6.  The  flasks  or  test  tubes  must  be  agitated  uniformly;  7.  The 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


2 49 


temperature  must  be  about  56°  C. ; 8.  The  relative  proportions  of  al- 
bumen, pepsin  and  liquid  must  always  be  the  same.  He  also  gives 
an  apparatus  for  facilitating  the  shaking  (G.  88,  245). 

Petrolatum. 

Definition . It  is  better  to  call  it  a “purified  residue.”  “Semi- 
solid” belongs  to  the  description,  but  not  to  the  definition.  Oldberg 
(D.  89,  120). 

Title.  Oldberg  wants  two  distinct  titles:  one  for  “ soft”  and  one 
for  “firmer”  (D.  89,  120). 

Examination  of  commercial  samples.  Patton  (A.  88,  n). 

Phosphorus. 

Solubility  in  fixed  oils  (T.  1071,  note). 

. Physostigma. 

According  to  (X.  II,  1)  the  seeds  are  up  to  35  mm.  long,  20  mm. 
broad  and  15  mm.  thick. 

‘ ‘ Cali  nuts,  ’ ’ the  seeds  of  Mucuna  urens,  are  stated  to  be  very 
similar  to  physostigma  (G.  87,  89;  142;  241). 

Physostigminse  Salicylas. 

Test  of  identity.  Eber  states  that  by  placing  1 drop  of  a very  dilute 
solution  of  a salt  of  physotigmine  in  contact  with  1 drop  of  baryta 
water,  a carmine  color,  changing  to  blue,  will  be  noticed.  With  a 5 
to  6 p.  c.  solution  of  potassa  or  soda,  the  color  is  red.  As  small  a 
quantity  as  0.000001  Gm.  (1^00  grain)  can  be  recognized  (B.  88, 
212.  Ph.  Zeit.  88,  483). 

Solubility.  “ 130”  parts  of  water — (X.  II,  349)  states  “ 150”  parts. 

Phytolaccae  Bacca. 

“ Fructus”  would  more  conform  to  other  titles  than  “ baccse.” 
Oldberg  (D.  89,  120). 

Phytolaccae  Radix. 

Analysis  by  Partee  (A.  88,  123.  O.  88,  318). 

Fluid  extracts  should  be  made  officinal  of  this  and  the  foregoing. 
Oldberg  (D.  89,  120). 

Picrotoxinum. 


Pilocarpinse  Hydrochloras. 


Pilocarpus. 

The  color  of  the  leaves  ought  to  be  stated  (D.  89,  120). 

Pilulse. 

Keratinized  pills.  Kippenberger  (B.  88,  149). 

Oldberg  objects  to  the  duplicate  formulas,  and  wants  either  grains 
or  grams  (D.  89,  120) 


250 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Pilulse  Aloes. 

Pilulse  Aloes  et  Asafcetidse. 
Pilulse  Aloes  et  Ferri. 


Pilulae  Aloes  et  Mastiches. 

Pilulse  Aloes  et  Myrrhse. 

Pilulse  Antimonii  Compositse. 

Synonym.  “ Compound  Calomel  pills”  (T.  1160). 

Pilulse  Asafoetidse. 

Pilulse  Catharticse  Compositse. 

Pilulse  Ferri  Compositse. 

The  iron  is  better  preserved  in  the  ferrous  state  by  first  dissolving 
the  sulphate  in  the  syrup,  and  next  adding  the  carbonate  of  sodium 
(T.  1163). 

Pilulse  Ferri  Iodidi. 


Pilulse  Galbani  Compositse. 

Pilulse  Opii. 

Oldberg  objects  to  the  soap,  which  should  never  be  employed  with 
alkaloids  or  chemicals  (D.  89,  121). 

Pilulse  Phosphori. 

The  solution  of  phosphorus  in  the  chloroform  is  best  accomplished 
with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat  (T.  1165). 

Fischer  adds  the  chloroformic  solution  to  a melted  mixture  of 
equal  parts  of  yellow  wax  and  cacao  butter,  stirring  till  the  chloro- 
form has  evaporated,  then  after  cooling  mixes  with  sufficient  mag- 
nesia (A.  88,  176.  O.  88,  273.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl.,  87,  674). 

Pilulse  Rhei. 


Pilulse  Rhei  Compositse. 


Pimenta. 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA.  251 

Piper. 

Adulteration  of  ground  pepper  with  olive  seeds  is  detected  by 
iodine.  Giles  (B.  88,  165). 


Piperina. 

Being  probably  a piperate  of  piperidine,  it  should  be  called  “ piper- 
inum.”  Oldberg  (R.  781). 

•Water,  .shaken  with  it,  should  not  acquire  a bluish  tint  or  blue 
color  on  the  addition  of  ferric  chloride. 

Pix  Burgundica. 


Pix  Canadensis. 

How  it  is  obtained  (B.  88,  140). 

Pix  Liquida. 

Plumbi  Acetas. 

The  aqueous  solution  yields  a purely  white  precipitate  on  the  addi- 
tion of  ferrocyanide  of  potassium.  Ph.  Germ. 

Plumbi  Carbonas. 

Plumbi  lodidum. 

“ Readily  dissolved  . . . . by  solution  of  chloride  of  ammonium” — 
it  ought  to  read:  by  a “ hot”  solution  ....  (X.  II,  361). 

Rother  gives  a formula  for  an  amorphous  iodide  (A.  87,  385.  O. 
88,  453). 

Plumbi  Nitras. 


Plumbi  Oxidum. 


Podophyllum. 


Potassa. 

Estimation  of  nitrite  of  potassium  by  titrating  a dilute  solution  of 
potassa,  slightly  supersaturated  with  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  with  a 
solution  of  potassium  permanganate,  preferably  centi-normal.  Power 
(G.  88,  81). 

It  is  tough,  and  has  a fibrous,  crystalline  fracture  (X.  II,  150). 

Potassa  cum  Calce. 


Potassa  Sulphurata. 

The  marble  slab  must  be  “cold”  (X.  II,  1 7 1). 


252 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Potassii  Acetas. 


Potassii  Bicarbonas. 


Potassii  Bichromas. 


Potassii  Bitartras. 

Iyimit  of  the  officinal  test  for  tartrate  of  calcium.  Boettcher  (A. 
88,  530.  O.  88,  173). 

Potassii  Bromidum. 

No  reliance  can  be  placed  on  the  quantitative  test,  unless  the  bro- 
mide be  perfectly  dry,  and  the  total  absence  of  foreign  salts,  includ- 
ing bromide  of  sodium  and  iodide  of  potassium,  be  assured.  Hirsch 
(Un.  Ph.,  II,  12). 

Potassii  Carbonas. 

The  Pharmacopoeia  requires  at  least  81  p.  c.  of  the  pure,  anhy- 
drous salt,  while  the  formula  calls  for  83.636  p.  c.  Hirsch  thinks 
that  the  15  to  18  p.  c.  of  water  allowed  is  too  much  (Un.  Ph.,  II,  16). 

Potassii  Chloras. 

Test  for  nitrate  of  potassium.  Heat  1 Gm.  of  the  salt  with  5 C.  c. 
of  soda  solution,  a little  zinc  filings  and  a few  pieces  of  clean  iron 
wire  in  a test-tube  or  flask ; no  ammonia  must  be  evolved,  nor  a 
piece  of  moistened  red  litmus  paper  or  turmeric  paper  be  altered  (G. 
88,  163.  U.  88,  391). 

The  taste  is  also  faintly  bitterish  (X.  II,  16 1). 

Its  aqueous  solution,  heated  with  hydrochloric  acid,  is  colored 
greenish-yellow  (X.  II,  16 1). 

Potassii  Oitras. 


Potassii  Cyanidum. 

Is  the  salt  really  ‘ ‘ amorphous  ’ ’ ? 

Potassii  et  Sodii  Tartras. 

Synonym:  Seignette  salt. 

Potassii  Ferrocyanidum. 


Potassii  Hypophosphis. 


Potassii  Iodidum. 

Test  for  sulphite  is  wanted.  Daudet.  who  found  that  sulphites 
mask  effectually  the  presence  of  nitrates  and  iodates  (A.  88,  242.  O. 
88,  428.  Phar.  Zeit.,  88,  117). 

Examination  of  the  commercial  salt.  Curriden  (A.  88,  279.  O. 
88,  427). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOFCEIA. 


253 


Test  for  hyposulphite.  0.2  Gm.  of  the  well  dried  salt  are  dis- 
solved in  2 C.  c.  of  ammonia,  and  well  shaken  with  14  C.  c.  of  deci- 
normal  nitrate  of  silver  solution.  The  filtrate,  after  supersaturating 
with  nitric  acid,  must  not  become  darker,  nor  turbid,  within  ten  min- 
utes. Ph.  Germ.  Com.  (G.  88,  92.  Ph.  Zeit.  88,  171). 

In  order  to  free  it  from  iodate,  treat  a boiling  solution  of  the  salt 
with  zinc  amalgam.  Morse  and  Burton  (G.  88,  184.  Amer.  Ch.  Jl. 
88,  321). 


Potassii  Permanganas. 

Should  be  protected  from  light.  Ph.  Germ.  Com.  (T.  88,  1109). 
The  color  of  the  aqueous  solution  might  be  given. 

Potassii  Sulphas. 

Soluble  in  “10”  parts  of  water  (X.  11,  172). 

Potassii  Sulphis. 

Is  the  solubility  in  cold  and  in  boiling  water  correctly  given  ? 
Hirsch  doubts  it  (Un.  Ph.  II,  35). 

Potassii  Tartras. 


Prinos. 


Prunum. 


Prunus  Virginiana. 

The  color  of  the  infusion  depends  on  the  time  of  the  gathering  of 
the  bark,  as  shown  by  Lemberger  (T.  1244.  A.  72,  303). 

Pulsatilla. 


Pul  vis  Antimonialis. 

Synonym.  Pulvis  Jacobi. 

History  of  the  powder.  Donovan  (N.  1869). 

Pulvis  Aromaticus. 

Turner  prepares  an  aromatic  sugar,  made  according  to  the  process 
for  abstracts  (T.  1249.  A.  69,  118). 

Pulvis  Cretse  Aromaticus. 


Pulvis  Effervescens  Compositus. 


254 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Pulvis  Glycyrrhizae  Compositus. 

Pulvis  Ipecacuanhse  et  Opii. 

“ Denarcotized  ” opium  is  suggested,  as  better  (R.  730). 

Pulvis  Jalapae  Compositus. 

Pulvis  Morphinae  Compositus. 

After  mixing,  the  powder  ought  to  be  sifted  (T.  1524). 

Pulvis  Rhei  Compositus. 

Pyre  thrum. 


Pyroxylinum. 

A working  formula  is  scarcely  necessary,  if  a good  description  and 
tests  be  given.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  121). 

It  dissolves  freely  in  acetic  ether  and  in  acetate  of  amyl.  Trimble 
(T.  1257.  A.  87,  275). 

Quassia. 

“Inodorous” — moistened  with  hot  water  it  has  quite  a distinct, 
eharaeteristic  odor.  Hirseh  (Un.  Ph.  II,  53). 

Quercus  Alba. 


Quillaia. 

Boas  considers  a mixture  of  3 parts  of  rectified  spirit  and  4 parts  of 
water  as  the  best  menstruum  (A.  88,  15.  N.  87,  Novbr.,  426). 

Quinidinae  Sulphas. 


Quinina. 

Chemistry  of  cinchona  alkaloids.  Hesse  (E.  88,  66). 

The  thalleioquin  test  is  due  to  Alex.  Roper,  1832  (Z.  83,  334). 

Quininae  Bisulphas. 


Quininae  Hydrobromas. 


Quininae  Hydrochloras. 

A new  method  for  the  examination  of  this  salt  is  given  by  Hiel- 
big,  who  first  converts  it  into  the  sulphate,  and  then  treats  the  sul- 
phate with  Rochelle  salt,  when  both  the  filtrate  and  the  precipitate 
are  farther  examined.  See  (A.  88,  41 1.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl.  88,  258. 
E.  88,  199). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


255 


Quininae  Sulphas. 

For  the  method  ot  examination  by  Hielbig  see  (A.  88,  41 1.  Ph. 
Zeit.  Russl.  88,  258.  E.  88,  199). 

A resume  of  the  methods  proposed  and  discussed  from  1886  to  1888 
by  Fischer,  see  (G.  88,  57.  Ph.  Zeit.  88,  . . .). 

Boehringer  & Sons  have  lately  improved  their  test  (B.  87,  94)  as 
follows:  Dissolve  1 Gm.  of  the  commercial  sulphate  (or  0.85  Gm.  of 
the  completely  dried  salt)  in  35  C.c.  of  boiling  water.  Add  a solu- 
tion of  0.3  Gm.  of  neutral  crystallized  oxalate  of  potassium  in  5 C.c. 
of  water,  adding  sufficient  water  to  make  up  to  41.3  Gm.  Keep  the 
flask  for  half  an  hour  in  a water-bath  at  20°  C.,  shaking  occasionally, 
filter,  and  to  10  C.c.  add  1 drop  of  soda  solution  (sp.  gr,  1.160).  No 
turbidity  shouid  occur  within  a few  minutes  (B.  88,  92.  O.  88,  549). 

Kerner  and  Weller’s  test  is  given  in  quite  a full  abstract  in  (B.  88, 
8.  O.  88,  547). 

Since  it  seems  so  difficult  to  find  a suitable  test  for  the  purity  of 
the  sulphate,  Gehe  & Co.  propose  to  use  the  hydrochlorate  instead, 
because  it  contains  merely  traces  of  the  other  alkaloids  (B.  88,  107). 
Boehringer  & Sons  make  pure  sulphate  from  the  bisulphate  (B.  88, 
l:7)‘ 

Manufactured  in  the  East  Indies,  with  soda  or  lime,  fusel  oil,  and 
kerosene.  Gammie,  see  (B.  88,  173), 

Assay  of  quinine  pills.  Snow  disintegrates  the  pills,  and  frees  the 
quinine  from  gelatin,  sugar,  etc.,  by  treating  them  with  dilute  sul- 
phuric acid,  pumice  stone,  bird-shot,  and  heat.  See  for  particulars 
(D.  87,  367.  O.  88,  270). 

Quininse  Valerianas. 


Resina. 

Test  of  identity.  A solution  in  glacial  acetic  acid,  on  addition  of 
a drop  of  sulphuric  acid,  assumes  an  intense  red  to  bluish-violet 
color,  changing  to  yellowish -brown,  with  a strongifluorescence.  Mo- 
rawski  (A.  88,  61 1.  Ch.  Repert.  88,  270). 

Resina  Copaibae. 


Resina  Jalapae. 

It  is  insoluble  in  benzol,  which  property  serves  to  detect  admix- 
ture of  other  resins.  Bullock  (T.  1286.  A.  64,  114). 

Resina  Podophylli. 

The  hydrochloric  acid  is  not  necessary,  provided  the  alcoholic 
percolate  is  evaporated  to  the  consistence  of  a thick  honey  (T.  1285). 

The  color  is  no  indication  as  to  quality  (T.  1285). — It  might,  how- 
ever, still  be  mentioned  for  the  sake  of  uniformity. 

It  is  insoluble  in  benzol.  Bullock  (T.  1286.  A.  62,  1 14). 

Resina  Scammonii. 

It  is  insoluble  in  benzol.  Bullock  (T.  1286.  A.  62,  114). 

17 


256 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Rheum. 

The  Chinese  root  is  distinguished  from  the  European  by  the  yield 
of  ash:  20  to  25  p.  c.  from  the  former  against  8 to  1 1 p.  c.  from  the 
latter  (M.  88,  135.  O.  88,  318). 

Rhus  Glabra. 


Rhus  Toxicodendron. 

“Toxicodendron”  would  be  more  consistent,  as  title.  Oldberg 
(D.  89,  121). 

Rosa  Centifolia. 

Ought  to  be  dismissed,  since  rose  water  is  better  made  from  the 
imported  water,  and  the  rose  leaves  in  compound  syrup  of  sarsaparilla 
are  superfluous  (R.  858). 

Rosa  Gallica. 


Rosmarinus. 


Rubus. 


Rubus  Idaeus. 


Rumex. 


Sabina. 

The  color  is  not  mentioned. 

Must  have  a good  green,  not  brown,  color  (R.  871). 

Saccharum, 

The  officinal  description  refers  to  “granulated”  sugar,  but  is  this 
the  purest  sugar? 

Saccharum  Lactis. 


Salicinum. 


Salix. 


Salvia. 


Sambucus. 


Sanguinaria. 

Assay  with  Mayer’s  reagent.  Snow  (A.  88,  496). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


257 


Santalum  Rubrum, 


Santonica. 

Four  mm.  long  (X.  II,  41). 

Santoninum. 

Eozenges  are  examined  by  digesting  with  chloroform. 

Test  of  identity.  Kossakowsky  improves  Lindo’s  test  by  first  clear- 
ing the  liquid,  containing  santonin,  with  basic  acetate  of  lead,  heat- 
ing a few  drops  on  a porcelain  tile,  adding  a few  drops  of  sulphuric 
acid,  and  heating  again.  A purple  coloration  results  (E.  88,  r28. 
O.  88,  580.  Ph.  Zeit.  Russl). 


Sapo. 


Sapo  Viridis. 

Oldberg  recommends  to  introduce  a working  formula,  which  will 
insure  a uniform  product  (D.  89,  162). 


Sarsaparilla. 


Sassafras. 


Sassafras  Medulla. 


Scammonium. 


Scilla. 


Scoparius, 

A preparation  ought  to  be  made  officinal.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  162). 

Scutellaria. 


Senega. 

For  the  causes  of  the  peculiar  appearance  of  the  root.  See  Meyer 
(L.  87,  557). 


Senna. 

For  some  facts  regarding  the  influence  of  heat,  alkali  and  alcohol, 
see  (T.  1355). 

Ought  to  come  under  two  separate  titles.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  162). 

Serpentaria. 


258 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Sevnm. 

Specific  gravity  of  mutton  suet  0.937  to  0.952;  of  beef  suet  0.943 
to  0.952  (T.  1360.  L.  87,  496). 

Sinapis  Alba, 


Sinapis  Nigra. 


Soda. 


Sodii  Acetas. 

Sodii  Arsenias. 

The  salt  containing  7^  mot.  (40.8  per  cent.)  of  water  of  crystalliz- 
ation i§.  neither  deliquescent  nor  efflorescent.  This  salt  is  easily 
produced  by  exposing  the  crystalline  salt  (containing  more  or  less 
than  7)4  mol.)  in  fine  powder  to  the  air  at  the  ordinary  temperature. 
H.  Lescoeur  (Compt.  Rend.  104,,  1171). 

Sodii  Benzoas. 

Sodii  Bicarbonas. 

Sodii  Bicarbonas  Venalis. 

Examination  of  16  samples.  Sehreeter  (A.  88,  602). 

Sodii  Blsulphls. 


Sodii  Boras, 

Test  for  phosphate  of  sodium  is  wanted  (T.  1373). 

Sodii  Bromidum. 

Sodii  Carbonas. 

Sodii  Carbonas  Exsiccatus. 

Sodii  Chloras, 

Sodii  Chloridum. 

ttubel  found  a sample  of  salt  contaminated  with  chloride  of  am 
monium  (E.  88,  440.  O.  88,  439). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPCEIA. 


259 


Sodii  Hypophosphis. 


Sodii  Hyposulphis. 


Sodii  Iodidum. 

Ph.  Germ.  Com.  gives  the  same  solubility  in  water  as  the  U.  S. 
Ph.,  viz.  in  0.6  parts,  It  also  states  that,  when  a fragment  of  the 
salt  is  placed  on  moistened  red  litmus  paper,  the  paper  must  not  at 
once  be  colored  violet-blue  (E.  88,  56). 

Compare  in  other  respects  “ Potassii  Iodidum.” 

Sodii  Nitras. 

The  powdered  salt,  spread  on  a porcelain  tile,  must  not  be  colored 
yellow  or  reddish,  when  a few  drops  of  sulphuric  acid  are  dropped  on 
it.  Ph.  Germ.  Com.  (E-  88,  58). 

Sodii  Phosphas. 


Sodii  Pyrophosphas. 


Sodii  Salicylas. 


Sodii  Santoninas. 

Ought  never  to  have  been  made  officinal  (T.  1394). 

Sodii  Sulphas. 


Sodii  Sulphis. 


Sodii  Sulphocarbolas. 

On  heating,  it  finally  leaves  a residue  amounting  to  ‘‘36”  p.  c. — 
Hirsch  states  that  “30.6”  p.  c.  is  more  correct.  (U11.  Ph.  II, 

257)- 

This  is  the  “para,”  not  the  “ortho”  salt.  It  is  “ slightly  efflo- 
rescent” in  the  air.  Soluble  in  4.8  parts  of  water.  Power  and 
Raeuber  (G.  89,  no). 


Spigelia. 


Spiritus  Athens. 


Spiritus  Athens  Compositus. 


26o 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Spiritus  Athens  Nitrosus. 

“ Heat  rapidly  . . . . until  strong  reaction  occurs  . . . .8o°C.” 
This  is  too  high  a temperature  for  inexperienced  persons;  “720  C.” 
is  amply  sufficient  to  start  the  reaction,  and  the  heat  should  be  at 
once  removed,  as  soon  as  effervescence  commences.  Remington 

(T.  1404)- 

Agitating  with  water,  even  when  cold,  is  wasteful,  since  ethyl 
nitrite  is  soluble  in  water  (T.  1404). 

Squibb,  in  an  elaborate  paper  (F.  1176-1243)  points  out  that  the 
processes  for  preparing  spirit  of  nitre,  introduced  since  the  revision 
of  1870,  have  resulted  in  a deterioration  of  the  product.  The  spirit, 
when  made  after  the  Pharm.  of  i860,  contained  from  4.5  to  5 p.  c. 
of  the  crude  ether,  or  about  4 p.  c.  of  ethyl  nitrite.  By  the  process 
of  1870  the  product  was  reduced  to  about  one-third  its  former 
strength.  And,  though  this  was  increased  by  the  process  of  1880, 
yet  the  product  is  still  of  less  than  half  the  strength  of  that  of  i860. 
Upon  the  basis  of  very  detailed  investigations,  the  author  advocates 
the  following  definition,  process  and  description  for  the  next  Phar- 
macopoeia: 

{Definition .*)  An  alcoholic  solution  of  a complex  ethereal  liquid 
containing  about  8.33  per  cent,  of  the  complex  ethereal  liquid,  and 
giving,  when  freshly  made,  a nitrometer  indication  of  5 per  cent,  of 
ethyl  nitrite  [C2H5N02;  75]. 

(Process:)  Nitric  Acid,  s.  g.  1.42,  20  parts;  Alcohol,  s.  g.  0.815,  a 
•sufficient  quantity;  Sodium  Carbonate,  1 part;  Stronger  Water  of 
Ammonia,  Distilled  Water,  each,  a sufficient  quantity. 

Weigh  into  a flask,  first  34  parts  (8.5  troyounces,  or  11  f%  of  Al- 
cohol, and  then  20  parts  (5  troyounces  or  3.71  fg)  of  Nitric  Acid, 
and  having  shaken  them  well  together,  pour  the  mixture,  without 
any  splashing,  into  a tubulated  retort  or  flask  of  double  the  capacity 
of  the  contents,  containing  fragments  of  broken  glass.  Connect 
this,  air-tight,  with  a well-cooled  condenser  of  great  capacity,  to 
which  a receiver,  surrounded  by  finely  crushed  ice,  is  connected  air- 
tight. Connect  this  receiver,  by  means  of  a bent  glass  tube,  with  a 
flask  surrounded  by  crushed  ice,  containing  16  parts  (4  troyounces 
or  5.18  f^)  of  alcohol,  the  glass  tube  to  pass  loosely  through  a cork 
in  the  neck  of  the  flask  almost  to  the  surface  of  the  alcohol.  Apply 
to  the  retort  a hot  water-bath,  so  arranged  that  the  bath  may  be 
quickly  removed,  and  then  heat  rapidly  until  the  liquid  boils  briskly. 
Then  remove  the  bath,  pour  out  a half  to  two-thirdsof  the  hot  water, 
and  add  cold  water  so  that  the  bath  may  be  about  55 0 C.  or  1310  F. 
As  the  boiling  becomes  too  rapid  for  effective  condensation,  apply 
the  cooled  bath,  by  hand,  to  the  retort  for  a few  moments,  from  time 
to  time,  so  as  to  keep  the  boiling  within  the  capacity  of  the  con- 
densers. When  this  checking  is  no  longer  needed,  heat  the  bath  up 
again,  and  have  it  ready  to  reapply  when  the  boiling  becomes  too 
slow.  Then  reapply  the  bath  and  distill  until  the  rate  is  reduced  to 
slow  dropping,  and  the  residue  in  the  retort  is  reduced  to  about  6 
parts. 

Disconnect  the  receiver  and  pour  the  contents  into  a flask  contain- 
ing 32  parts  of  ice-cold  water  in  which  the  sodium  carbonate  has 
been  dissolved  before  cooling.  Close  the  flask  and  shake  the  con- 
tents vigorously  and  repeatedly,  keeping  down  the  temperature  by 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


261 


immersing  the  flask  occasionally  in  ice- water.  Then  separate  the 
ethereal  layer  and  mix  it  immediately  with  eleven  times  its  weight 
of  alcohol,  taking  the  contents  of  the  flask  at  the  end  of  the  con- 
densing apparatus  as  a part  of  the  alcohol  of  dilution. 

Finally  add  stronger  water  of  ammonia,  a few  drops  at  a time, 
until  the  finished  spirit  turns  neutral  litmus  paper  to  a purple  tint. 

(. Description .*)  A transparent,  volatile,  inflammable  liquid,  of  a pale 
yellow  color  and  fragrant  ethereal  odor, — pungent,  but  free  from 
acridity, — and  having  a sharp,  burning  taste.  Sp.  gr.  at  15. 6°  C.  or 
6o°  F.,  0.821  to  0.823.  At  250  C.  or  770  F.,  0.815  to  0.817.  If  un- 
opened, or  but  little  exposed  to  light  and  air,  it  turns  neutral  litmus 
paper  bluish  for  two  months  after  being  made,  and  for  at  least  two 
months  more  fails  to  redden  blue  litmus  paper.  When  one  volume 
of  Solution  of  Potassa  is  mixed  with  one  volume  of  water,  and  then 
with  two  volumes  of  the  spirit  of  nitrous  ether,  the  mixture  assumes 
a yellow  color,  which,  in  twelve  hours,  deepens  without  becoming 
brown  (limit  of  aldehyd). 

When  3 C.c.  of  the  spirit  recently  made,  or  well  kept,  is  tested  by 
the  nitrometer,  it  should  give  not  less  than  1 1 times  its  volume,  or 
more  accurately  33.3  C.c.  of  liberated  gas,  which  is  equal  to  about 
5 per  cent,  of  ethyl  nitrite.  Any  spirit  which  by  age,  or  by  being 
badly  kept,  yields  less  than  8 times  its  volume  of  gas,  which  is  equal 
to  about  3.5  per  cent,  of  ethyl  nitrite,  should  be  rejected. 

Spiritus  Ammoniae. 


Spiritus  Ammoniae  Aromaticus. 

The  precipitation  is  due  to  the  use  of  a partly  effloresced  am- 
monium carbonate,  which  will  necessitate  a greater  proportion  of 
ammonia  than  is  directed  (T.  1410). 

Spiritus  Anisi. 

Spiritus  Aurantii. 

Spiritus  Camphorae. 

Omit  the  water.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  162). 

Spiritus  Chloroformi. 

Spiritus  Cinnamomi. 

Spiritus  Frumenti. 

Spiritus  Gaultheriae. 


Spiritus  Juniperi. 


262 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Spiritus  Juniperi  Compositus. 

A formula  of  it  is  superfluous;  describe  a good  quality  of  “Gin.” 
Oldberg  (D.  89,  162). 


Spiritus  Lavandulae. 


Spiritus  Limonis. 


Spiritus  Menthae  Piperitae. 

Spiritus  Menthae  Viridis. 

Spiritus  Myrciae. 

Filtering,  with  the  addition  of  carbonate  of  magnesium,  phosphate 
of  calcium  or  talcum,  will  generally  be  necessary  (T.  1416). 

Spiritus  Myristicae. 

Spiritus  Odoratus. 

The  oil  of  neroli  might  be  doubled  (T.  1417). 

Spiritus  Vini  Gallici. 

Staphisagria. 


Stillingia. 


Stramonii  Folia. 

Since  none  of  the  preparations  are  made  from  the  leaves,  they 
ought  to  be  dropped.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  162). 

The  color  ought  to  be  given ; also  the  unequality  of  the  two  halves 
in  size  and  nervation  should  be  stated.  See  (R.  950). 

“Nearly  inodorous”  is  not  correct;  the  odor  is  quite  narcotic 

(R-  950, 

Stramonii  Semen. 


Strychnina. 

Brucine  is  detected  by  adding  to  a warm  solution  (40  to  50°  C.)  in 
nitric  acid,  a concentrated  solution  of  sodium  hyposulphite,  when  a 
violet  to  green  color  appears.  Cotton  (T.  ion). 

Value  of  Mayer’s  reagent.  Snow  (A.  88,  496). 

Melting  point.  According  to  Fluckiger  it  melts  already  at  2250  C. 

(T.  1425). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA.  263 

Solubility.  In  387  parts  of  alcohol  (sp.  gr.  0.835);  x79  absolute 
alcohol;  682  ether.  Plummer  and  Kelly  (T.  1425.  A.  59,  25). 

Test.  Wenzel  uses  a solution  of  1 grain  of  permanganate  of  po- 
tassium in  2000  grains  of  sulphuric  acid,  when  a display  of  colors 
occurs.  (T.  1497.  A.  70,  385.  O.  71,  227). — Sonnenschein’s  test 
with  ceroso-ceric  oxide  is  very  sensitive  (T.  1426). 

Strychnine  Sulphas. 


Sty  rax. 

Ought  to  be  purified  (T.  1431). 

Test  for  turpentine.  Melt  the  styrax  in  a test  tube,  add  half  its 
volume  of  absolute  alcohol,  then  treat  with  several  volumes  of  ben- 
zin.  Evaporate  and  weigh  the  residue,  which  generally  amounts  to 
50  p.  c.,  and  has  a light  blue  opalescence;  in  the  presence  of  turpen- 
tine the  residue  will  weigh  more,  be  yellowish,  and  possess  a tere- 
binthinate  odor.  Hager  (T.  1432). 

Sulphuris  Iodidum. 

It  can  be  made  as  well  in  a beaker,  and  then  poured  out,  thus  ob- 
viating the  necessity  of  breaking  a flask.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  162). 

Sulphur  Lotum. 


Sulphur  Fraecipitatum. 


Sulphur  Sublimatum. 


Sumbul. 


Suppositoria. 

Dixon  recommends  to  allow  the  broader  end  to  terminate  in  a cone, 
giving  the  suppository  the  appearance  of  being  double  (B.  88,  112). 

Syrupi. 

In  using  the  cold  percolation  process,  due  discrimination  should 
be  exercised,  since  syrups,  containing  vegetable  constituents,  are 
often  benefited  by  heating  or  boiling  (R.  965). 

Sp.  gr.  of  .simple  syrup  is  nearer  to  1.330.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  162). 

Syrupus  Acaciae. 

Mucilage  is  made  with  ‘ ‘ water  ’ ’ and  syrup  with  ‘ ‘ distilled  water.  ’ ’ 
It  is  therefore  bound  to  spoil,  within  a short  time. 

Mann  proposes  1 part  of  glycerin  and  7 parts  of  water  as  the  men- 
struum (T.  1452). 

Ringler  uses  3 parts  of  his  mucilage  (which  see)  and  5 parts  of 
syrup  (A.  88,  9). 

An  alternate  formula,  from  acacia,  is  advisable.  Oldberg  (D.  89, 
162). 


264 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Syrupus  Acidi  Citrici. 


Syrupus  Acidi  Hydriodici. 

An  addition  of  hypophosphorous  acid  is  proposed,  to  prevent  dis- 
coloration (T.  1453). 

The  formula  for  Syrupus  Acidi  Hydriodici  Decolor  of  the  National 
Formulary  (possibly  with  substitution  of  glucose  for  hypophosphor- 
ous  acid,  as  proposed  by  England  (A.  ’89,  14)  appears  preferable. 

Syrupus  Allii. 


Syrupus  Althseae. 

Noffke  macerates  the  root  with  water,  containing  1 part  of  alco- 
hol for  every  2 parts  of  root  (T.  1454.  L.  86,  761). 

Oldberg  prefers  water  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  50°  C.  (D. 
89,  162). 

Syrupus  Amygdalae. 

Enders  proposes  an  ‘ ‘ Orgeat  powder,  ’ ’ for  making  the  syrup  ex- 
temporaneously. An  emulsion  of  almonds  is  mixed  with  sugar  and 
evaporated  to  dryness  (T.  1454,  note.  A.  74,  362.  O.  74,  88). 

Syrupus  Aurantii. 


Syrupus  Aurantii  Florum. 

Percolation  is  better  than  agitation  (T.  1455). 

Syrupus  Calcii  Lactophosphatis. 

The  addition  of  1 drachm  of  hydrochloric  acid  to  a pint  of  the 
syrup  prevents  precipitation  (T.  1456). 

Kopp  makes  the  lactophosphate  of  calcium  from  the  gelatinous 
tribasic  phosphate  by  precipitating  a solution  of  chloride  of  calcium 
with  phosphate  of  sodium  in  presence  of  excess  of  ammonia,  wash- 
ing and  dissolving  in  lactic  acid  (O.  88,  442.  Jl.  Ph.  d’Als.) 

Syrupus  Calcis. 


Syrupus  Ferri  Bromidi. 

Filtering  the  solution  into  the  hot  syrup  is  better  than  upon  the 
sugar  (T.  1457). — Oldberg  recommends  to  heat  the  solution  to  boil- 
ing before  filtering  it  into  the  sugar  (D.  89,  162). 

Syrupus  Ferri  Iodidi. 

Filtering  into  the  hot  syrup,  as  directed  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  of  1870, 
is  better  than  upon  the  sugar  (T.  1459). 

Preparation  on  the  large  scale,  see  Runyon  (I.  80,  66). 

Preservation.  England  makes  use  of  the  strong  reducing  power 
of  glucose  to  protect  the  iron  from  oxidation,  preferring  the  solid 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA.  265 

glucose;  and  applying  a gentle  heat  to  facilitate  the  reaction  of  iodine 
upon  iron  (A.  88,  547). 

Sunlight  changes  the  character  of  the  syrup,  and  is  therefore  in- 
admissible (T.  1459). 

Ph.  Germ.  Com.  adds  to  of  1 p.  c.  of  citric  acid  for  preservation 
(G.  88,  92). 

See  Oldberg’s  remarks  upon  Syrupus  Ferri  Bromidi. 

Syrupus  Ferri,  Quininae  et  Strychninae  Phosphatum. 

Percolation  is  better  than  agitation  (T.  1461). 

Syrupus  Hypophosphitum. 

Percolation  is  better  than  agitation  (T.  1461). 

Klie  prefers  to  use  hypophosphorous  acid,  instead  of  citric  acid, 
for  dissolving  the  last  remnant  of  salt  (W.  87,  Aug.  91). 

Wisconsin  Ph.  Ass.  proposes  to  dissolve  the  hypophosphites  in 
400  parts  of  water,  add  spirit  of  lemon,  filter  to  500  parts,  and  then 
to  add  the  citric  acid  and  sugar  (M.  88,  51). 

Syrupus  Hypophosphitum  cum  Ferro. 


Syrupus  Xpecacuanhae. 


Syrupus  Krameriae. 


Syrupus  Lactucarii. 

For  a formula  for  Aubergier’s  syrup,  see  (A.  66,  290.  T.  1464, 
note). 

Behringer  proposes  a concentrated  tincture  (see  Extractum  Eac- 
tucarii  Fluidum)  from  which  to  make  the  syrup  (A.  88,  72.  O.  88, 

283). 

Syrupus  Limonis. 

The  formula  of  U.  S.  Ph.  1870,  which  directed  to  dilute  the  juice 
with  an  equal  volume  of  water,  is  better  (T.  1465). 

Syrupus  Picis  Liquidae. 

There  is  no  objection  to  applying  a gentle  heat  for  dissolving  the 
sugar  (T.  1467). 

Syrupus  Pruni  Virginianae. 

Fifteen  to  20  p.  c.  of  glycerin  answers  the  purpose  better  than  5 
p.  c.  (T.  1467). 

Syrupus  Rhei. 

Oldberg  thinks  that  “ compositus  ’ ’ ought  to  be  added  to  the  title 
(D.  89,  162). 


266 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Syrupus  Rhei  Aromaticus. 

Replacing  half  the  syrup  with  glycerin,  would  be  an  improve- 
ment (T.  1468). 

Syrupus  Rosse. 


Syrupus  Rubi. 


Syrupus  Rubi  Idaei. 


Syrupus  Sarsaparillse  Compositus. 

Brandt  moistens  the  powdered  ingredients  with  a mixture  of  1 
part  of  alcohol  and  7 parts  of  water,  covers  with  a piece  of  filtering 
paper,  upon  which  he  places  the  requisite  amount  of  sugar,  and  then 
proceeds  with  the  percolation  (A.  88,  9;  O.  88,  284). 

Needs  revision.  Rose  and  guaiac  might  as  well  be  left  out. 
Oldberg  (D.  89,  162). 


Syrupus  Scillse. 

Percolation  is  better  than  agitation  (T.  1471). 

✓ 

Syrupus  Scillse  Compositus. 

Brandt  moistens  the  powdered  drugs  with  the  menstruum,  contain- 
ing a small  amount  of  ammonia,  covers  with  a piece  of  filtering  paper, 
places  on  top  of  the  paper  the  requisite  amount  of  sugar,  and  pro- 
ceeds with  the  percolation  (A.  88,  10.  O.  88,  284). 

Syrupus  Senegse. 


Syrupus  Sennse. 

There  appears  no  good  reason  why  this  syrup  should  not  be  made 
from  the  fluid  extract  (T.  1474). 

Syrupus  Tolutanus. 

The  officinal  formula  is  improved  as  follows:  Digest  the  balsam 
with  water  for  2 hours  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  82°  C.,  filter, 
dissolve  the  sugar,  and  strain  (R.  997). 

The  formula  of  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  of  1870  is  better  (T.  1474). 

Parkinson  recommends  to  heat  the  balsam  to  ioo°  C.,  in  a flask, 
and  to  conduct  the  vapors  into  warm  simple  syrup  (E.  88,  156). 

Eliel  proposes  a soluble  essence  of  tolu  by  means  of  glycerin  and 
carbonate  of  magnesium  (C.  88,  213). 

Wisconsin  Ph.  Ass.  proposes  to  dissolve  the  tolu  in  alcohol,  and 
to  proceed  as  under  Syrupus  Zingiberis  U.  S.  Ph.  (M.  88,  51). 

Syrupus  Zingiberis. 

The  formula  of  U.  S.  Ph.  of  1870  is  better  (T.  1475). 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


267 


Tabacum. 

Assay  by  Schloesing  and  Laiblin  (T.  1478). 

Tamarindus. 

Tanacetum. 

Taraxacum. 


Terebinthina. 


Terbinthina  Canadensis. 


Thuja. 


Thymol. 


Tincturae. 

Oldberg  and  Wall  think  that  the  strength  should  be  fixed  with  re- 
ference to  their  properties  and  uses,  and  their  relative  potency, fin- 
stead  of  having  regard  to  simple  mathematical  ratios  (R.  983). 

They  further  give  a list  of  tinctures  (43)  which  they  consider  super- 
fluous, the  respective  fluid  extracts  being  better  adapted  for  use  (R. 

983)- 

Tinctura  Aconiti. 

Tartaric  acid  is  unnecessary.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  'I63). 

Tinctura  Aloes. 


Tinctura  Aloes  and  Myrrhae. 


Tinctura  Arnicae  Florum. 


Tinctura  Arnicae  Radicis. 

Is  too  weak,  and  the  menstruum  ought  to  be  made  stronger  alco- 
holic. Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Tinctura  Asafcetidae. 


Tinctura  Aurantii  Amari. 


Tinctura  Aurantii  Dulcis. 


268 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Tinctura  Belladonnae. 


Tinctura  Benzoini. 


Tinctura  Benzoini  Composita. 


Tinctura  Bryoniae. 


Tinctura  Calendulae. 

Strong  alcohol  is  a better  menstruum  (T.  1503). 

Tinctura  Calumbae. 

Ince  proposes  to  use  the  whole  slices,  without  further  comminu- 
tion (T.  1503). 

Tinctura  Cannabis  Indicae. 


Tinctura  Cantharidis. 


Tinctura  Capsici. 

'Oldberg  queries  the  object  of  adding  5 p.  c.  of  water  to  the  alcohol 
(D.  89,  163). 

Tinctura  Cardamomi. 

“ Seeds”  only  ought  to  be  directed.  No.  60  powder  and  “ alcohol” 
would  be  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Tinctura  Cardamomi  Composita. 

“ Seeds  ” only  ought  to  be  directed.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Tinctura  Catechu  Composita. 


Tinctura  Chiratae. 


Tinctura  Cimicifugae. 


Tinctura  Cinchonae. 


Tinctura  Cinchonae  Composita. 


Tinctura  Cinnamomi. 

No.  60  powder  and  “alcohol”  are  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Tinctura  Colchici. 


OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


269 


Tinctura  Conii. 

Tinctura  Croci. 

Tinctura  Cubebae. 

No.  60  powder  and  “ alcohol”  are  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 
Wood  deplores  the  reduction  of  strength  by  25  p.  c.  (T.  15  n). 
Wisconsin  Ph.  Ass.  recommends  strong  alcohol  (M.  88.  51). 

Tinctura  Digitalis. 

Tincturae  Herbarum  Recentium. 

The  title  ought  to  be  altered  to  include  fresh  “ roots”  (R.  996). 

A specific  formula  is  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Tinctura  Fern  Acetatis. 

As  this  is  not  a “tincture,”  another  title  would  be  more  correct. 
Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 


Tinctura  Ferri  Chloridi. 

About  title,  see  the  preceding. 

Instead  of  a delay  of  3 months,  a definite  addition  of  muriatic  or 
nitric  ether  would  be  better  (D.  89,  163). 

Squibb  advocates  to  go  back  to  the  formula  of  the  U.  S.  Ph.  of 
i860,  and  to  abandon  the  method  of  making  this  tincture  by  mixing 
an  acid  solution  of  ferric  chloride  with  alcohol  (F.  1246). 

Tinctura  Gallae. 

The  amount  of  glycerin  is  excessive.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Tinctura  Gelsemii. 

Tinctura  Gentianae  Composita. 

Tinctura  Guaiaci. 

Tinctura  Guaiaci  Ammoniata. 

Tinctura  Humuli. 

Tinctura  Hydrastis. 

A stronger  menstruum  is  wanted.  Oldberg  (89,  163). 

Tinctura  Hyoscyami. 


270 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Tinctura  Xgnatiae. 

Might  as  well  be  made  from  the  extract  (T.  1519). 

Tinctura  Iodi. 

Title,  see  Tinctura  Ferri  Acetatis.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Triturate  the  iodine  with  a small  quantity  of  the  alcohol,  until  it  is 
reduced  to  a coarse  powder,  then  transfer  to  the  tared  bottle  (R.  610). 

Daudt  uses  first  86  parts  of  absolute  alcohol,  then  6 of  water  (B.  88, 
no.  O.  88,  290). 

Stevens  triturates  the  iodine  with  sand  (M.  88,  15.  O.  88,  290.) 

The  reputed  change  of  the  tincture  by  the  action  of  iodine  upon 
alcohol,  seems  to  be  exaggerated.  Goepel,  Carles,  and  Commaille 
(T.  1520). 

Gareau  makes  it  by  circulatory  displacement  (D.  88,  21). 

Tinctura  Ipecacuanhae  et  Opii. 

The  title  wTould  be  more  properly  “ Tinctura  Opii  et  Ipecacuanhae 
(R-  731)- 

Clark  prefers  strong  alcohol  to  the  diluted  alcohol ; the  tincture 
keeps  better  (A.  88,  226.  O.  88,  288). 

Tinctura  Kino. 


Tinctura  Krameriae. 


Tinctura  Lavandulae  Composita. 

Oil  of  ‘ ‘ Lavender  ’ ’ should  be  oil  of  ‘ ‘ Lavender  Flowers  ’ ’ (R.  644). 

Tinctura  Lobeliae. 


Tinctura  Matico. 


Tinctura  Moschi. 


Tinctura  Myrrhae. 


Tinctura  Nucis  Vomicae. 


Tinctura  Opii. 

Assay.  Allen  obviates  the  adhesion  to  the  sides  of  the  evaporat- 
ing dish  by  the  addition  of  washed  powdered  pumice-stone,  which 
also  will  facilitate  the  exhaustion  by  water  (E.  88,  53). 

Oldberg  recommends  an  aqueous  infusion,  preserved  by  alcohol 
(D.  89,  163). 


Tinctura  Opii  Camphorata. 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPCEIA. 


271 


Tinctura  Cpii  Deodorata. 

Tinctura  Fhysostigmatis. 

Tinctura  Fyrethri. 

Tinctura  Quassiae. 

Tinctura  Rhei. 

This  tincture  is  12  p.  c.  in  strength,  contrary  to  what  seems  to  be 
the  rule  in  the  Pharmacopoeia  (decimal)  proportions  (R.  850). 

Tinctura  Rhei  Aromatica. 

Tinctura  Rhei  Dulcis. 

Tinctura  Sanguinariae. 

“Alcohol”  is  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Tinctura  Saponis  Viridis. 

It  is  a “liniment,”  and  not  a tincture.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Tinctura  Scillae. 

Tinctura  Serpentariae. 

No.  60  powder  and  “alcohol”  are  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Tinctura  Stramonii. 

Tinctura  Sumbul. 

Tinctura  Tolutani. 

Tinctura  Valerianae. 

“ Alcohol”  is  better.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Tinctura  Valerianae  Ammoniata. 

Tinctura  Vanillae. 

Faust  proposes  washed  sand  instead  of  sugar,  and  uses  a men- 
struum of  50  parts  of  alcohol,  19  of  glycerin  and  31  of  water  (A.  88, 
9.  O.  88,  289). 

Tinctura  Veratri  Viridis. 


18 


272 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Tinctura  Zingiberis. 


Tragacanth. 


Triticum. 


Triturationes. 


Trituratio  Elaterini. 


Trochisci  Acidi  Tannici. 


Trochisci  Ammcnii  Chlcridi. 


Trochisci  Catechu. 


Trochisci  Cretae. 

Trochisci  Cubebae. 

The  proportion  of  oleoresin  might  be  increased  (T.  1545). 

Trochisci  Ferri. 

Trochisci  Glycyrrhizae  et  Cpii. 

Oldberg  thinks  that  the  title  should  be  ‘ ‘ Trochisci  Opii  et  Glycyr- 
rhizse”  (R.  531;  729.) 

Extract  of  opium  is  directed  to  be  in  fine  powder,  but  the  officinal 
extract  contains  glycerin  (R.  729). 

Trochisci  Ipecacuanhae. 


Trochisci  Krameriae. 


Trochisci  Magnesiae. 


Trochisci  Menthae  Piperitae. 


Trochisci  Morphinae  et  Ipecacuanhae. 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPCEIA. 

Trochisci  Potassii  Chloratis. 


273 


Trochisci  Sodii  Bicarbonatis. 


Trochisci  Eodii  Santoninatis. 

Ought  never  have  been  made  officinal.  Wood  (T.  1549). 

Trochisci  Zingiberis. 


Ulmus. 

Since  it  does  not  contain  starch,  the  ground  bark  must  not  be  col- 
ored blue  by  iodine.  Beringer  (A.  88,  552). 

Unguenta. 

Would  it  not  be  advisable  to  state  under  certain  ointments  that 
they  must  always  be  recently  made  ? 

Unguentum. 


Unguentum  Acidi  Carbolici. 


Unguentum  Acidi  Galilei. 


Unguentum  Acidi  Tannici. 


Unguentum  Aquae  Rosse. 


Unguentum  Belladonna. 


Unguentum  Chrysarobini. 


Unguentum  Diachylon. 

Preparation.  Dissolve  200  Gm.  of  acetate  of  lead  in  1 liter  of  dis- 
tilled water,  and  300  Gm.  of  Castile  soap  in  1%  liter  of  warm  water, 
filter  both  solutions,  mix,  wash  the  precipitate,  and  after  drying, 
melt  it  with  1%  parts  of  olive  oil,  triturating  the  plaster  until  cool- 
ing (T.  1556.  A.  80,  473.  O.  81,  63). 

Dieterich  finds  that  made  with  oil  of  almonds  to  keep  best  (B. 

88,  33). 

Unguentum  Gallse. 


Unguentum  Hydrargyri. 

Preparation . Donovan’s  process  from  black  mercuric  oxide,  by 
heating  a mixture  of  the  oxide  with  lard  to  176°  C.,  and  agitating 


274 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


continually  for  two  hours,  when  it  will  be  found  that  every  ounce  of 
lard  combines  with  21  grains  of  the  oxide  (T.  1559). 

Jacquemaire  extinguishes  the  mercury  quickly  by  means  of  potas- 
sium or  sodium  (A.  88,  344.  B.  88,  128.  O.  88,  271). 

Kliel  extinguishes  the  mercury  with  oleic  acid,  1 p.  c.  being  gener- 
ally sufficient  (C.  88,  213). 

Examination  of  commercial  samples  for  the  p.  c.  of  oxide. 
Craine  (A.  88,  10.  O.  88,  291). 

Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Ammoniati. 


Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Nitratis. 

History,  see  (A.  70,  21 1). 

Wisconsin  Ph.  Ass.  replaces  lard  oil  by  lard,  and  adds  finally  5 to 
10  p.  c.  of  petrolatum  (M.  88,  51). 

Ungnentum  Hydrargyri  Oxidi  Flavi. 

Petrolatum,  or  butter  of  cocoa  and  almond  oil,  would  be  better  (T. 
t563)- 

Wright  proposes  a mixture  of  1 part  of  yellow  wax  with  7 or  16 
petrolatum,  according  to  the  temperature  (N.  88,  Septbr.,  187;  255). 
Stevens  rubs  the  oxide  first  with  alcohol  (M.  88,  137.  O.  88,  292). 

Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Oxidi  Rubri. 


Ungnentum  Iodi. 

Glycerin  should  be  used  instead  of  water  (T.  1564). 

Ungnentum  lodoformi. 

A perfume  would  be  a desirable  addition  (T.  1 565). 

Ungnentum  Mezerei. 


Ungnentum  Picis  Liqnidse. 


Ungnentum  Plnmbi  Carbonatis. 


Ungnentum  Plnmbi  lodidi. 


Unguentum  Potassii  lodidi. 


Unguentum  Stramonii. 


Unguentum  Sulphuris. 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


275 


Unguentum  Sulphuris  Alkalinum. 


Unguentum  Veratrinse. 


Unguentum  Zinci  Oxidi. 


Ustilago. 

A fluid  extract  ought  to  be  made  officinal.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Uva  Ursi. 

Schrenck  confirms  Wigand’s  statement  that  the  leaves  are  beset 
with  hairs,  especially  along  the  margin  (B.  88,  102). 

Valeriana. 


Vanilla. 

Natural  history.  Miiller  (G.  88,  217). 

Collection  in  Mexico.  Pedretto  (B.  88,  69.  O.  88,  312). 

Veratrina. 


Veratrum  Viride. 


Viburnum. 


Vina. 

The  Pharmacopoeia  ought  to  fix  the  amount  of  alcohol  at  12  to  14 
p.  c.,  instead  of  10  to  12  p.  c.;  which  would  be  more  nearly  in  accord 
with  our  domestic  wines.  Oldberg  (R.  1021). 

The  direction  for  ascertaining  the  p.  c.  of  alcohol  is  not  correct. 
The  quotient  does  not  give  the  p.  c.,  but  only  the  weight  of  the  alco- 
hol and  water.  See  (R.  1021). 

Vinum  Album. 


Vinum  Album  Fortius. 


Vinum  Aloes. 


Vinum  Antimonii. 


Vinum  Aromaticum. 


276 


DIGEST  OF  CRITICISMS 


Vinum  Colchici  Radicis. 


Vinum  Colchici  Seminis. 


Vinum  Ergotae. 


Vinum  Ferri  Amarum. 

Assay  by  Sehroeter  (A.  88,  i.  O.  88,  293). 

Vinum  Ferri  Citratis. 


Vinum  Ipecacuanhas. 


Vinum  Opii. 


Vinum  Rhei. 


Vinum  Rubrum. 


Viola  Tricolor. 


Vitellus. 


Xanthoxylum. 


Zinci  Acetas. 

Dibbit  states  that  the  salt  contains  only  2 molecules  of  water  (T. 
1609.  A.  79,  249.  Berichte,  79,  11). 

Zinci  Rromidum. 


Zinci  Carbonas  Fraecipitatus. 


Zinci  Chloridum. 


Zinci  Iodidum. 


Zinci  Oxidum. 


ON  THE  UNITED  STATES  PHARMACOPOEIA. 


277 


Zinci  Phosphidum. 


Zinci  Sulphas. 

Test  for  free  sulphuric  acid.  Gille  dips  a glass  rod,  moistened 
with  ammonia,  into  a 1 p.  c.  solution  of  the  salt.  A strong  opales- 
cence will  be  noticed  at  the  point  of  contact,  which  disappears  on 
stirring ; if  no  free  acid  be  present,  the  opalescence  does  not  disap- 
pear (K.  88,  273.  O.  88,  452.  Arch.  d.  Pharm.) 

Zinci  Valerianas. 


Zincum. 

Since  zinc  is  used  only  in  a granular  condition,  it  seems  super- 
fluous to  keep  it  in  thin  sheets.  Oldberg  (D.  89,  163). 

Zingiber. 

Percentage  of  resin  in  the  different  commercial  varieties  of  ginger; 
Jamaica  containing  least.  Siggins  (A.  88,  278.  O.  88,  31 1). 


EXPLANATION  OF  ABBREVIATIONS  IN  PARTS  I.  AND  II. 


A.  — American  Journal  of  Pharmacy. 

B.  — American  Druggist  (formerly  New  Remedies). 

C.  — Pharmaceutical  Record. 

D.  — Western  Druggist. 

E.  — Druggists’  Circular. 

F.  — Ephemeris  (Dr.  Squibb). 

G.  — Pharmaceutische  Rundschau  (New  York). 

H.  — Pharmacist  (Chicago). 

I.  —New  Remedies. 

K.  —Pharmaceutische  Centralhalle. 

L.  — Archiv  der  Pharmacie. 

M.  — Pharmaceutical  Era. 

N.  — Pharmaceutical  Journal  and  Trans.  (London). 

O.  — Proceedings  of  Amer.  Pharm.  Association. 

P.  — National  Dispensatory,  4th  edition. 

R.  — Companion  to  the  U.  S.  Pharm.  (Oldberg-Wall). 

S.  — Chemist  and  Druggist  (London). 

T.  — U.  S.  Dispensatory,  16th  edition. 

U.  — Remington’s  Practice  of  Pharmacy. 

W.  — National  Druggist  (St.  Louis). 

X.  — Beckurts-Hirsch:  Handbuch  d.  praktischen  Pharmacie. 

Y.  — Deutsch-Amerikanische  Apotheker-Zeitung  (New  York). 

Z.  — Pharmaceutische  Zeitung  (Berlin). 

Un.  Ph. — Universal-Pharmakopoe  (Dr.  B.  Hirsch). 


L 


3 0112  105352139 


A 


Correspondence  regarding  the  contents  of  this  Digest  may  be  ad- 
dressed to  any  member  of  the  Committee.  But  all  correspondence 
referring  to  its  distribution  should  be  addressed  to  the  Chairman. 

The  addresses  of  all  the  members  will  be  found  on  page  vii.  of 
Part  I. 


